"And what are we to do now?"
"Go to the vault, to be sure, and look for this antidote."
"But, the vault is locked!"
"True, I forgot that," said Beltrami, with a thoughtful frown, "however, I think I can procure the key."
"From Madame Morone?"
"Dame! No! that would put her on her guard at once. I want her to think Pallanza is still in this cataleptic state, otherwise she won't marry me, as my power over her will be gone. I'll get the key somehow; if not, one of my men knows something about picking locks, so we will take him with us."
"A reputable servant, truly!"
"Eh! What would you!" said Beltrami carelessly, as he led the way out of the room and locked the door. "Even lock-picking is useful on occasions--witness the present one. Well, are you ready to go to the vault with me to-night?"
"At night, Beltrami?"
"Most certainly. If we went in the daytime all Verona would be in commotion. No! we must go at midnight when no one is about. Have you the courage?"