"So the King's promise to pardon Mr. Rossi will be set aside by his successor?"
"If I leave this room without a better answer ... yes."
Roma drew from behind the revolver she had held in her hand.
"Then you will never leave this room," she said.
The Baron stood perfectly still, and there was a moment of deadly silence.
Then came the rattle of carriage wheels on the stones of the piazza, followed immediately by a hurried footstep on the stairs.
Roma heard it. She was trembling all over.
A moment afterwards there was a knock at the door. Then another knock, and another. It was imperative, irregular knocking.
Roma, who had forgotten all about the Baron, was rooted to the spot on which she stood. The Baron, who had understood everything, was also transfixed.
Then came a thick, vibrating voice, "Roma!"