The fact of your
absence on such an occasion could not but be unpleasantly remarked
on," urged the lawyer.
"Why? What can I be wanted for? What can I tell them? It is very
evident that I am, and must needs be, utterly ignorant of the whole
matter," returned the Marchese.
"There are various points on which the magistrates will, doubtless,
wish for the information which your lordship can give them, although
you may have no means of throwing any light on the main facts of the
assassination. They will wish, for instance, to ask respecting the
circumstances of the Marchese Ludovico's expedition to the Pineta.
The police, you must remember, Signor Marchese, are already aware
that you were cognizant of the Marchese Ludovico's intention of
taking La Lalli to the Pineta. That has been ascertained from the
admission of the Conte Leandro--"
"A thousand curses on the Conte Leandro," exclaimed the Marchese.
"His figure in the matter is a deplorable one, truly; but you can
understand, Signor Marchese, that the court will desire to ask some
questions of you on this head--nothing that you can have any
difficulty in answering or any objection to answer; but I am sure
you will see, on consideration, that it would have a very bad effect
for your lordship to show the least desire to avoid being present."
"It will be most distasteful to me--very painful, indeed--I don't
think it ought to be required of me under all the circumstances,"
pleaded the unhappy man.
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