“Look quickly over these depositions, and let us burn them as fast as we can.”
The count read and turned pale.
“Upon my word, they had got very near the truth. The investigation has been most skilfully conducted. They are quite on Ferrante Palla’s track, and if he speaks, we shall have a difficult card to play.”
“But he won’t speak,” cried the duchess. “That man is a man of honour! Now into the fire with them!”
“Not yet. Let me take down the names of ten or fifteen dangerous witnesses, whom I shall take the liberty of spiriting away, if Rassi ever attempts to begin again.”
“Let me remind your Excellency that the prince has given his word not to tell the Minister of Justice anything about our nocturnal performance.”
“And he will keep it, out of cowardice, and because he hates a scene.”
“Now, my dear friend, this night’s work has done a great deal to hasten on our marriage. I never would have brought you a trial in the criminal courts as my dowry, more especially for a wrong I did on account of my interest in another person.”
The count was in love. He caught her hand protestingly; tears stood in his eyes.
“Before you leave me, pray give me some advice about my behaviour to the princess. I am worn out with fatigue. I have been acting for an hour on the stage, and for five hours in her Highness’s cabinet.”