"It's all for the best, your Excellency. But was there anything you wished to say to me?"
"Yes. The report of your condemnation has been received with deep emotion in my country, and as the evidence given in court showed that you were born in England, I feel that I am justified in intervening on your behalf."
"But I don't want you to intervene, dear friend."
"Donna Roma, it is still possible to appeal to the Court of Cassation."
"I have no desire to appeal—there is nothing to appeal against."
"There might be much if you could be brought to see that—that.... In fact so many pleas are possible, and all of them good ones. For instance...."
The Englishman dropped both eyes and voice.
"Well?"
"Donna Roma, you were tried and condemned on a charge of going to the Prime Minister's cabinet with the intention of killing him, and of killing him there. But if it could be proved that he came to your house, and that, to shield another person not now in the hands of justice, you...."
"What are you saying, your Excellency?"