“I know,” said Silvano presently with a slight hesitation, “that you never pay any attention to anonymous communications. Otherwise, there is one here which might merit consideration.”
“What does it concern?”
“A revolutionary meeting,” replied Silvano, “where it appears the woman, Lotys, is to speak.”
The Premier shrugged his shoulders and smiled. “You must enlighten me! Who is the woman Lotys?”
“Ah, that no one exactly knows!” replied the secretary. “A strange character, without doubt, but—” He paused and spoke more emphatically—“She has power!”
Lutera gave a gesture of irritation.
“Bah! Over whom does she exercise it. Over one man or many?”
“Over one half the population at least,” responded Silvano, quietly, turning over a few papers without looking up.
The Marquis stared at him, slightly amused.
“Have you taken statistics of the lady’s followers,” he asked; “Are you one of them yourself?”