Fearful moment! I
pictured to myself a ferocious-looking officer with a guard, like
those who come upon the stage with Jaffier. Somewhat to my relief, the
reality turned out to be of a gentler character. I found myself
introduced to a polite-looking personage, who, however, speedily
informed me, through the medium of the waiter--for we had no common
language--that he did not want me, but a younger lady! O my poor
Claudia! My heart beating violently, I returned to her, and informed
her that she was wanted. Instead of being at all alarmed, she appeared
rather gratified at finding herself of so much importance, and
hastened to join the person who was waiting for her. He, in a very
polite and respectful manner, told us that our books were at the
police-office, and only awaited our arrival to be examined.
Accordingly, we ordered a gondola, and accompanied him there. On the
way, he took an opportunity of informing Claudia, that he was not what
was called in England a policeman, but a gentleman, and that the
person who would examine her was a count. Claudia replied rather
haughtily, that she was an English lady, and had never been examined
by any one. At last we arrived, and proceeded to the apartment of the
count; but what was my distress when I was informed that Claudia was
to be examined alone! Claudia declared that she was a British subject,
and that such a proceeding was an insult.
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