Having looked over this extraordinary statement, the doctor
addressed himself again to Luca Lomi.
"I agree with you," he said, "that no useful end is to be gained
now by mentioning your brother's conduct in public--always
provided, however, that his ecclesiastical superiors do their
duty. I shall show these papers to the count as soon as he is fit
to peruse them, and I have no doubt that he will be ready to take
my view of the matter."
This assurance relieved Luca Lomi of a great weight of anxiety.
He bowed and withdrew.
The doctor placed the papers in the same cabinet in which he had
secured the wax mask. Before he locked the doors again he took
out the flat box, opened it, and looked thoughtfully for a few
minutes at the mask inside, then sent for Nanina.
"Now, my child," he said, when she appeared, "I am going to try
our first experiment with Count Fabio; and I think it of great
importance that you should be present while I speak to him."
He took up the box with the mask in it, and beckoning to Nanina
to follow him, led the way to Fabio's chamber.
CHAPTER VIII.
About six months after the events already related, Signor Andrea
D'Arbino and the Cavaliere Finello happened to be staying with a
friend, in a seaside villa on the Castellamare shore of the bay
of Naples. Most of their time was pleasantly occupied on the sea,
in fishing and sailing.
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