[CHAPTER XII.]
"SEMPER EADEM."
AMONG the items of intelligence floating about the city, and furnishing food for gossip, was a statement so carelessly and indifferently alluded to in the Government organs that it might have been a mere trifle, affecting no one's life or honour. It was to the effect that the Count di V— had recently been arrested for the embezzlement of certain public funds which passed through his hands, and that he would be tried for the offence in due time accordingly.
When the report was communicated to the Countess, she smiled scornfully.
"It is a falsehood!" she cried. "No one dares to accuse him openly; his character stands too high for trial on such a charge."
But there were other possibilities, and she trembled for the issue.
Two more days and another night passed in the bitterness of suspense, while from the public officials no information could gleaned, and no legal advice availed.
"Such things could not be in England," thought Guy. "And why?"
He thankfully answered himself: "Because England's people are, by the grace of God, freed from priestly despotism, and must be accused and judged in open day. Thanks be to God for the Reformation, which restored the true standard for righteous law!"