The Minister, astonished, satisfied himself that such was the case; after which he drew a dagger from his vest-pocket.[20]
Vanina said to him, with a charming little air of authority:
“Let us be seated, Monsignore.”
And she calmly took her place on a sofa.
“Are you alone, though?” the Minister said.
“Absolutely alone, I swear!” exclaimed Vanina.
The Minister was careful to verify this: he went round the room and looked everywhere; after which he sat down on a chair three paces from Vanina.
“What interest should I have,” said Vanina in a gentle and reasonable tone, “in attempting the life of a moderate man, who would probably be succeeded by some weak, hot-headed person that would be capable of undoing himself and others besides.”
“What do you want, pray, madam?” the minister said somewhat testily. “This scene is not to my taste, and must cease.”
“What I am about to add,” Vanina replied haughtily, suddenly forgetting her gracious air, “concerns you more than me. There is a desire that the life of the carbonaro Missirilli should be spared: if he is executed, you will not survive him a week. I have no interest in all this; the folly which you deplore I did to amuse myself in the first place, and next, to oblige a lady who is one of my friends. I wished,” Vanina continued, resuming her affability, “I wished to render a service to an accomplished man, who soon will be my uncle, and, from all appearance, should carry the fortunes of his house to a great pitch.”