Madame Mayer drove home, and put on the only dark-coloured gown she possessed, wound a thick veil about her head, provided herself with a number of bank-notes, which she thrust between the palm of her hand and her glove, left the house on foot, and took a cab.

There was nothing to be done but to go herself, for she could trust no one.

Her heart beat fast as she ascended the narrow stone steps of Del Ferice's lodging, and stopped upon the landing before the small green door, whereon she read his name.

She pulled the bell, and Temistocle appeared in his shirt-sleeves.
"Does Count Del Ferice live here ?" asked Donna Tullia, peering over the man's shoulder into the dark and narrow passage within.
"He lives here, but he is gone to Naples," answered Temistocle, promptly.
"When will he be back ?" she inquired.

The man raised his shoulders to his ears, and spread out the palms of his hands to signify that he did not know.