Although Peppino was its only representative at that time, and as, by an old family tradition, he bore a title different from the patronymic title of Pope Urban VII, the sale of the celebrated palace had called forth a scandal to which it was essential to put an end.

The Countess had forgotten that she had assisted, without a protestation, in that sale.

Had she not known through Hafner that he had bought at a low price an enormous heap of the Prince's bills of exchange?
Did she not know the Baron well enough to be sure that M.Noe Ancona, the implacable creditor who sold the palace, was only the catspaw of this terrible friend?
In a fit of ill-humor at the Baron, had she not herself accused him in Alba's presence of this very simple plan, to bring Ardea to a final catastrophe in order to offer him salvation in the form of the union with Fanny, and to execute at the same time an excellent operation?
For, once freed from the mortgages which burdened them, the Prince's lands and buildings would regain their true value, and the imprudent speculator would find himself again as rich, perhaps richer.
"Come," said Madame Steno to the Prince, after a moment's silence and without any preamble, "it is now time to talk business.

You dined by the side of my little friend yesterday; you had the entire evening in which to study her.

Answer me frankly, would she not make the prettiest little Roman princess who could kneel in her wedding-gown at the tomb of the apostles?
Can you not see her in her white gown, under her veil, alighting at the staircase of Saint Peter's from the carriage with the superb horses which her father has given her?
Close your eyes and see her in your thoughts.