This explanation was quite satisfactory, and having thus learned the identity of the young man whom I had seen murdered, I prepared to go, when another idea entered my head, and, going over to the piano, I began to play by ear the strange air I had heard at the Palazzo Morone. Bianca gave a cry of surprise as she heard the melody, and came over to the piano with a puzzled look on her face. "Ah, you know it, Signorina?" I said, turning round quickly. "Yes! in fact I gave it to Guiseppe. It is an old air by Palestrina, which I found among the music of the Maestro, to which Guiseppe set words. He is very fond of it and sings it a great deal. Ah, Signore, you must have heard him sing it, for no one else has a copy." I turned off the matter with a careless remark, not caring to tell Bianca where I had heard it; and now being quite certain that I would be able to unravel the whole mystery, I wanted to get away as quickly as possible in order to arrange my plans. "Addio, Signorina," I said, giving her my hand. "When I see you again I may be able to give you news." "Good news?" "Yes, I hope so, Signorina," I replied hurriedly as Petronella appeared at the door. "Do not anticipate evil, I beg of you. I have no doubt Guiseppe is quite well." "Oh, I hope so! I trust so! Addio! Signor Hugo, you will come back soon?" "To-morrow, Signorina." "Ah! I see you have brought back the smiles," said Petronella's gruff voice as she ushered me out. "What do you think of this evil one going away, Signore? I was going to have four masses if he is dead, but those priests are such thieves. Ecco!" "Why should you think he is dead, Petronella?" "Eh, Signore, he loves the piccola so much that nothing but death would keep him away." "Except----" "I know what you would say, Signore, except a woman. Well, maybe men are all bad. I've been married, Signore--I know, I know." "Well, I don't think I'm particularly bad, Petronella." "Eh! then you're not a true man, Signore," retorted Petronella, closing the argument and the door at the same time. CHAPTER VI. A HAUNTED PALACE.