"I must believe you," said Liguori, pressing his hand once more.
"And now, where is Pepita?"
"She is in Rome."
"May I see her at once?"
"How at once?"
"Well, to-day."
"No, not to-day. Her brother wishes to see you first. I must go and let them both know that you are here. But she is well and has been so."
Dick looked relieved. After some conversation Liguori told Dick to return in an hour, and he could see the Count. After waiting most impatiently Dick came back again in an hour. On entering he found Luigi. He was dressed as a gentleman this time. He was a strongly knit, well-made man of about thirty, with strikingly handsome and aristocratic features.
"Let me make my peace with you at once," said he, with the utmost courtesy. "You are a brave man, and must be generous. I have done you wrongs for which I shall never forgive myself," and taking Dick's outstretched hand, he pressed it heartily.
"Say nothing about it, I beg," said Dick; "you were justified in what you did, though you may have been a little hasty."