His voice became more serious.
"The devil take it, it is no pleasant task at all! One is never sure how the brain of a woman will work; you start the engine, but it may plunge back the wrong way and strike you. Calabressa is afraid. The fox is hiding in some hole until it is all over."
"Cannot I be of some service, your Excellency?" the Secretary said.
"No, no; but I thank you, friend Granaglia. It is a delicate matter; it must be approached with circumspection; and I as an old acquaintance of Madame Lind, ought not to shirk the duty."
Apparently, it was not Calabressa only who had some dread of the difficulties of news-bearer.
"It is impossible for your Excellency to go near the hotel at present," said the Secretary, promptly.
But his chief refused to accept this offered means of escape.
"That is true, but it is not a difficulty. To-night, friend Granaglia, you will send a message to the hotel, bidding them be at the Villa Odelschalchi to-morrow morning at eleven—you understand?"
"Certainly, your Excellency."