"Speak," returned the Italian stranger.
"Do you wish to propose to me any thing whereby I can manifest my attachment to Count Alteroni, without injury to my own character or honour?" demanded Richard.
"I do," said the stranger solemnly. "You can render Count Alteroni great and signal services."
"I will then as frankly admit to you that I am acquainted with all which relates to Count Alteroni," said Richard, dwelling upon the words marked in italics.
"With all which relates to Prince Alberto of Castelcicala?" added the stranger, in a significant whisper. "Do we understand each other?"
"So far that we are equally well acquainted with the affairs of his Highness the Prince," answered Richard.
"Right. You have heard of General Grachia?" said the foreigner.
"He is also an exile from Castelcicala," returned Markham.
"He is in England," continued the foreigner. "I had the honour to be his chief aide-de-camp, when he filled the post of Minister of War; and I am Colonel Morosino."
Richard bowed an acknowledgment of this proof of confidence.