"Are they going to do it?" he asked, surprised and amused.
"I don't know.... Tell me, Smith, whom do you suspect Thusis to be? I can see you have some theory concerning Clelia—some idea. Haven't you?"
"Yes, I have."
"Would you care to share it with me?"
"Yes. But I can't."
"Could you tell me why you can't?"
"I think I may tell you that much. The King of Italy requested me to maintain silence in the possible event of my discovering the identity of Thusis and Clelia. I am here on the King's service, with certain definite orders. I shall scrupulously observe these orders. Among these is his request concerning the identity of these two charming young girls."
"Just one thing, then. Have you discovered the identity of Thusis?"
"No."
"Of Clelia?"