"One moment, Marchese--I wish to speak with this Signor for a few minutes."
Beltrami darted one of his enigmatic looks at us both, and with a low bow to conceal the smile on his lips, left the room. As soon as he had disappeared, Madame Morone turned round on me with a quick gesture of surprise.
"Signor Hugo, why did you say the tenor Pallanza would never be seen again?"
"I have no reason, Signora," I replied, being determined to baffle her curiosity; "I merely spoke on the impulse of the moment."
"Do you know Signor Pallanza?"
"No, madame, I have not the pleasure of his acquaintance."
"Ah!"
She heaved a sigh of relief, and looked at me long and earnestly, as if to see whether I was speaking the truth. Apparently she was satisfied with her scrutiny, for she laughed softly, and placed her hand within my arm.
"Confess now, Signor Hugo, you think me most mysterious, but I will tell you why I speak thus. I heard Pallanza at Rome, when he sang at the Apollo, and I hoped to see him again here, therefore I am annoyed at his disappearance and anxious for him to be found. A selfish wish, Signor Hugo, for it is only my desire to hear him sing again. Ecco!"
"I do not think your wish at all selfish, madame, for I hear he is a charming singer."