"You will
find what you need at that table."
The detective sat down, pulled back the cuff of his coat, took up the
pen and began his report with a magnificent flourish.
"You two may go," said Malipieri to the porter and Gigi. "We shall not
want you any more."
"As witnesses, perhaps," said the detective, overhearing. "Pray let
them stay."
He went on writing, and the Baron settled himself in Malipieri's
armchair, and lit a cigar. Malipieri walked slowly up and down the
room, determined to keep perfectly cool.
"I hope the Baroness is quite well," he said after a time.
"Quite well, thank you," answered Volterra, nodding and smiling.
Malipieri continued to pace the floor, trying to see some way out of
the situation in which he was caught, and praying to heaven that
Sabina might still be sound asleep. If she were up, she would
certainly come to the study in search of him before long, as the doors
opened in no other direction. All his nerves and faculties were strung
to the utmost tension, and if the worst came he was prepared to
attempt anything.
"It is a very fine day after the rain," observed the Baron presently.
"It never rains long in Rome, in the spring," answered Malipieri.
The detective wrote steadily, and neither spoke again till he had
finished.
"Of course," he said to Malipieri, "you are quite sure of your
statements.
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