what was truly a remarkable recovery. I whispered to him:
"I've seen your witch and talked to her. I have much to tell you. Bid your guards take their stations
outside the door. I will dismiss the nurse for a time."
When guards and nurse were gone, I launched into an account of the day's happenings, beginning with
my summons to the Gilmore apartment by McCann. Ricori listened, face grim, as I repeated Mollie's
story. He said:
"Her brother and now her husband! Poor, poor Mollie! But she shall be avenged! Si! — greatly so! Yes!"
I gave my grossly incomplete version of my encounter with Madame Mandilip. I told Ricori what I had
bidden McCann to do. I said:
"And so tonight, at least, we can sleep in peace. For if the girl comes out with the dolls, McCann gets