And
remember, that if all the whole world says that you did this thing,
I shall still know that it was as impossible as that I did it
myself. Remember that always, my best beloved."
"Thanks, my Paolina; it will be very sweet to me to remember it. And
dearest, one thing more. It will hardly be likely that in the
present circumstances, under all this weight of misfortune, my poor
uncle will be likely to have time or attention to give to you, But
if you have need of anything--of advice, of assistance, of
protection--speak to the Contessa Violante, and--stay, you shall
take a message to her from me. Tell her that I begged you to say, as
from me to her, that in the teeth of all appearances I am innocent
in thought, word, and deed in this matter. I think she will believe
it; I must go, my love, my own!"
"Pray God, it be not for long, tesoro mio. I shall pray to the Holy
Virgin for you morning and night."
"Addio, Paolina mia. Yet one kiss, anima mia, addio,"
From the Strada di Santa Eufemia Ludovico hurried as quickly as he
could to the Palazzo del Governo; but found that he was not in time
to be the first bearer to the police magistrate of the tidings of
what had happened. The report of the officials at the gate had
already been given in, and the police had already taken possession
of the body.
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