"Oh, that is an easy matter," Berti said. "I had the privilege of seeing the Countess this evening; but she does not call herself countess now. She is Mrs. Louis Delahay."
[CHAPTER XVI.]
STRONG MEASURES.
"You have made a most extraordinary mistake," Walter said. "On and off I have known Mrs. Delahay for some considerable time. I am quite certain that she is no relation whatever to Countess Flavio."
"And I, sir, am equally positive," the Italian detective replied. "I think my friend Inspector Dallas told you just now that I had the Flavio case in hand from the first. Indeed, I have had many conversations with the Countess. So positive am I that I am right that I will be prepared to make an affidavit of the facts."
"This is very strange," Lance murmured. "I cannot but believe that you have been deceived by a strong likeness between two different women. I know all about Mrs. Delahay. She comes from a very good Italian family, though I believe they were poor; they were exceedingly proud and exclusive, and until the death of her parents, Mrs. Delahay lived a life of almost monastic seclusion."
"Perhaps you wouldn't mind telling me her name?" Berti asked. "It might facilitate matters."
"Certainly," Walter Lance replied. "Before she was married Mrs. Delahay was Signora Descarti."
A peculiar smile flitted over his face.
"That is assuredly a point in my favour," he said, "seeing that Countess Flavio also was Signora Descarti."