"Go down below," said Mr. William, "and inquire of the concierge and the porters if they have seen him, or know where he is."
Mr. William followed Pacifico as he went out, in order to speak a moment to a friend of his who occupied the next apartment. As he came back he met Pacifico at the head of the stairs, and received his answer there. The answer was, that Copley had gone down the river to Ostia with another boy.
Mr. William was greatly astonished to hear this. He, however, said nothing to Pacifico, but after pausing a moment, as if reflecting upon what he had heard, he went back into his own apartment.
"Maria," said he, addressing his young wife, "where do you think Copley has gone?"
"I cannot imagine," said Maria.
"He has gone down the Tiber in the steamer to Ostia," replied Mr. William.
"Is it possible?" exclaimed Maria, in astonishment.
"Yes," said William; "and I am very glad of it."
"Glad of it?" repeated Maria, surprised more and more.
"Yes," said Mr. William; "for it decides me what to do. I shall send him home with his uncle. I have been half inclined to do this for some time, and this settles the question. It destroys all the peace and comfort of our journey to have a boy with us that is determined to have his own way, without regard to the inconvenience or anxiety that he occasions me."