"The requests of the deputation which I was advised not to receive, monsignore, have been answered by Donna Bianca Acorari. She has promised that certain acts of injustice which have been committed in my name and in hers shall be remedied, and I shall see that her promise is duly carried into effect."
A murmur of applause interrupted her. Monsieur d'Antin, standing a little apart, watched his sister critically.
"Tiens!" he said to himself, "Jeanne is a capable woman—more capable than I imagined. She can rise to a situation. If she would only think less of the next world and more of this, she would be more capable still."
"As to the despatch of troops to Montefiano," the princess added, "until five minutes ago I was in ignorance that any such step had been taken. The requisition for military intervention was made without consulting me and without my authority."
"Evviva la principessina! Viva l'esercito!" shouted the peasants.
"Signori," Princess Montefiano continued, addressing the delegate and the officer in command of the granatieri, "perhaps you will be so good as to tell me at whose request you are here?"
The delegate of public safety bustled forward, full of the consciousness of his own importance and dignity.
"I am here at the request of the sindaco of Montefiano," he replied, "to enforce order and respect for the law in this commune."
The princess turned from him abruptly.
"Signor Commandante," she said to the military officer, "I thank you for your discretion in refusing to allow the people to be attacked at the bidding of a civilian. My brother has told me of your declining to order your men to charge the crowd. You may be sure that your conduct will be represented in its proper light to the authorities. In the mean time, perhaps you will tell me who summoned you to Montefiano?"