The fact that it was an exhaustive history of Confucianism, and could not be considered as bearing on his professional duties, was not likely to interest the Princess.
She was not used to such rebuffs, however, and before long she made another attempt.

This time she herself called up Pica and asked him at what hour the Captain could see her on a matter of importance.

When the orderly delivered the message, Severi was at first inclined to make an excuse; but the Princess's persistency in trying to see him was obvious, and as he thought it possible that she might wish to ask him some question relating to Giovanni, he bade Pica answer that he would stay at home that afternoon, if it suited her convenience to come.

She replied that she would appear about four o'clock.
Ugo was buried in the history of Confucianism when his man came to tell him this, and he merely nodded, but looked up quickly when Pica turned to the door.
'Shave and dress,' he said laconically, and at once began to read again.
It was the order he gave when he expected the visit of a superior officer, for as a rule Pica only shaved twice a week, and never put on a cloth tunic except when he had leave for the afternoon and evening.
The little house at Monteverde was a lonely place and the soldier did no military duty, living the life of an ordinary house servant.

It was a good place, for the Captain was generous.
With an affectation of extreme punctuality, the Princess's footman rang the bell at four o'clock precisely, and almost before the distant tinkle was heard Pica opened the door wide and saluted the visitor, flattening himself against the door-post to give her plenty of room.
He looked very smart in his best uniform, and she smiled and glanced at his handsome Saracen face as she passed in.