The private visiting-room had one disadvantage. Every word that passed
was repeated to the Director. Later the same day the Director wrote to
the Royal Commissioner: "Sorry to say the man Rocco has asked for an interview to retract his
denunciation. I have refused it, and he has been violent with the chief
warder. But inspired by a sentiment of justice I feel it my duty to warn
you that I have been misled, that my instructions have been badly
interpreted, and that I cannot hold myself responsible for the document
I sent you."
The Commissioner sent this letter on to the Minister of the Interior,
who immediately called up the Chief of Police.
"Commendatore," said the Baron, "what was the offence for which young
Charles Minghelli was dismissed from the embassy in London?"
"He was suspected of forgery, your Excellency."
"The warrant for his arrest was drawn out but never executed?"
"That is so, and we still hold it at the office...."
"Commendatore!"
"Your Excellency?"
"Let the papers that were taken at the domiciliary visitation in the
apartments of Deputy Rossi and his man Bruno be gone through again--let
Minghelli go through them. You follow me?"
"Perfectly, Excellency."
"Let your Delegate see if there is not a letter among them from Rossi to
Bruno's wife--you understand?"
"I do."
"If such a letter can be found let it be sent to the Under Prefect to
add to his report for to-morrow's trial, and let the Public Prosecutor
read it to the prisoner."
"It shall be done, your Excellency."
XVI At eight o'clock the next morning Roma was going into the courtyard of
the Castle of St. Angelo when she met the carriage of the Prime Minister
coming out. The coachman was stopped from inside, and the Baron himself
alighted.
"You look tired, my child," he said.
"I am tired," she answered.
"Hardly more than a month, yet so many things have happened!"
"Oh, that! That's nothing--nothing whatever."
"Why should you pass through these privations? Roma, if I allowed these
misfortunes to befall you it was only to let you feel what others could
do for you. But I am the same as ever, and you have only to stretch out
your hand and I am here to lighten your lot."
"All that is over now. It is no use speaking as you spoke before. You
are talking to another woman."