It is impossible to say as yet to what conclusion these
may seem to point. The Marchese Ludovico is an acquaintance of yours
and of the Signorina Paolina, is he not?"
"An acquaintance? why they are engaged to be married," almost
shrieked poor Signora Orsola; "has not your lordship heard that they
are engaged to be married?"
"Indeed! and you are acquainted with the Contessa Violante too. Do
you know whether her ladyship is aware of the engagement you speak
of? I ask, because she is an old friend of the Marchese Ludovico."
"To be sure she is aware of it. She and Paolina have often talked it
over together. Altro che, aware of it."
"Humph," said the lawyer thoughtfully; and then remained silent for
a minute or two, while old Orsola looked at him wistfully.
"It must be very terrible to you then, Signora, to think that the
Marchese should be suspected of this shocking crime, since you have
such reason to feel an interest in him," said he at last, looking up
suddenly at his companion.
"Lord bless your heart," exclaimed the old woman in reply; "the
Marchese never did nothing of the sort, no more than my poor
innocent lamb did it. Nothing of the kind."
"Perhaps, then, you would not mind saying who did do it," said the
lawyer; "since you seem to know all about it."
"Why she did it herself to be sure.
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