“How is he coming here?”
“In a cab. Listen, you may hear the horse’s hoofs already.”
The cab stopped in front of the door, and Cesare descended. The cabman waited. Sophia slowly descended the staircase, and found herself in the hall, to receive the handsome Italian. He advanced with shining eyes and eager gait. Carelessly, and with an air of indifference, she held out her hand.
“Well, well! my dear,” said he. “Is this the way you receive me after a fortnight’s absence?”
“Silence!” she said firmly; “this is no time for nonsense. Hans at this very moment is doubtless risking his life to obtain possession of the powders.”
“Have you then succeeded with our young victim?”
“You may see for yourself. There will be more to learn later on.”
“Diavolo!”
Rushing from the room, he exclaimed—
“Milo, tell the cabman to wait.”