“One moment,” the Ambassador interrupted, placing his hand upon an electric button upon the table.
In answer to his summons the thin, dark-faced Neapolitan man-servant appeared, and by him the Ambassador sent a message to the Secretary, who in a few moments entered.
He was younger by ten years than the Ambassador, foppishly dressed, but nevertheless pleasant-faced, with manners which were the essence of good breeding.
“You remember the case of the girl—Vittorina, I think her name was—who was found dead in a cab outside the Criterion?”
“Yes.”
“Did we make any inquiries of the police in Livorno regarding her identity?”
“Yes. Do you wish to see the reply?”
“You might send it in to me at once,” the Ambassador said; and the Secretary withdrew.
“What you have told me is certainly extraordinary—most extraordinary,” exclaimed His Excellency, addressing Elmes.