“If you let him go,” she remarked quietly, “I shall certainly report you.”
The officer still hesitated, and the situation was becoming embarrassing, when a man’s voice said in English—
“Can I be of any use?”
The marchesa turned impetuously.
“Oh, Mr Wilbraham, I am so glad to see you! Please back me up.”
“Of course, of course,” said Wilbraham hastily. “Let me first get you out of this crowd,” he added, looking round him with an Englishman’s horror of anything approaching to a scene.
“Not yet,” said Teresa. “That man took my purse in the most barefaced manner, and they are evidently afraid of him, and inclined to let him go.”
“I’ll see to it, only let me put you into a cab.”
“Thank you,” she was beginning stiffly, when the guardia once more came to her side.
“With your excellency’s permission we will take his name and address, and keep him under supervision. We can then lay our hands upon him if required.”