“Yes; after the sentence in the Court of Cassation I appealed in the Giudiziarie of Cagliari.”
“To whom did you appeal?”
“To the Ministry.”
“That was unfortunate. The Ministry when appealed to never decides. Often the prisoner has finished his term before they arrive at any conclusion.”
Cassio looked very grave.
“It would be better to send your request to the Queen; it would sooner be obtained.”
“Pardon me,” returned Cassio, bowing his head, “but is there a chance that it would be obtained?”
“If the request should be made by your sister, it would be granted.” answered the other bruskly, and again he turned his back so that he should not see the prisoner’s emotion, and the latter should not see the Direttore’s confusion.
This time the conversation was really over, and Cassio was reconducted to his office. But he was really another man; the presence of his three unhappy companions aroused his compassion, but no longer his hatred. Around his thin fingers still lingered the fragrance of the tirtillo, and, raising them to his mouth, he inhaled the fresh sweetness of his distant meadows.
And probably for the first time, the Direttore was sincerely loved by one of his prisoners.