It is impossible that I can
remain another night in the house of a spy. I go with my sister.
We owe you nothing, and we are free to live honestly where we
please. If you see Father Rocco, tell him that I can forgive his
distrust of me, but that I can never forget it. I, who had full
faith in him, had a right to expect that he should have full
faith in me. It was always an encouragement to me to think of him
as a father and a friend. I have lost that encouragement
forever--and it was the last I had left to me!
"NANINA."
The priest rose from his seat as he handed the note back, and the
visitor immediately followed his example.
"We must remedy this misfortune as we best may," he said, with a
sigh. "Are you ready to go back to Florence to-morrow?"
The little man bowed again.
"Find out where she is, and ascertain if she wants for anything,
and if she is living in a safe place. Say nothing about me, and
make no attempt to induce her to return to your house. Simply let
me know what you discover. The poor child has a spirit that no
ordinary people would suspect in her. She must be soothed and
treated tenderly, and we shall manage her yet. No mistakes, mind,
this time! Do just what I tell you, and do no more. Have you
anything else to say to me?"
The little man shook his head and shrugged his shoulders.
"Good-night, then," said the priest.
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