She may have been indiscreet in some way I am compelled to admit the existence of possibilities.' 'Of all men, you, Agostino! You call her daughter, and profess to love her.' 'You forget,' said Agostino sharply.

'The question concerns the country, not the girl.' He added in an underbreath, 'I think you are professing that you love her a little too strongly, and scarce give her much help as an advocate.

The matter must be looked into.

If Barto shall be found to have acted without just grounds, I am certain that Count Medole'-- he turned suavely to the nobleman--'will withdraw confidence from him; and that will be equivalent to a rope's-end for Barto.

We shall see him to-night at your house ?' 'He will be there,' Medole said.
'But the harm's done; the mischief's done! And what's to follow if you shall choose to consider this vile idiot justified ?' asked Ammiani.
'She sings, and there is no rising,' said Medole.
'She is detached from the patriotic battery, for the moment: it will be better for her not to sing at all,' said Agostino.