"She knows too much." "So did Vittorina. She was silenced." "What do you mean, Malvano?" the Ambassador cried, pale and agitated. "That she should share the same fate?" "No," the other answered gravely. "As far as I can see no life need be taken if we act with cunning and discretion. Can you trust me?" "I do so implicitly," His Excellency answered, seeing that the secret agent was now entirely in earnest. "More than once you have obtained knowledge by means little short of miraculous." "Briefly, I'm an excellent spy--eh?" the Doctor laughed. "Well, I didn't spend ten years at the Questura in Firenze, and practise as a doctor at the same time, without obtaining a little wholesome experience. If you'll give this affair entirely into my hands, I'll promise to do my level best, and to assist you out of your dilemma. Your position at this moment is, I know, one of the most extreme peril; but by playing a desperate game we may succeed in discovering what is necessary, thereby placing ourselves and our country in a position of absolute security." "You are an extremely good friend, Filippo," the Count answered quickly. "In this country, surrounded as I am by traitors and spies, you are the only one in whom I can absolutely trust--except Carmenilla." "Your daughter must know nothing," the Doctor exclaimed quickly. "This is no woman's affair. If life must be sacrificed, then she might inadvertently expose us--women are such strange creatures, you know." "Whose life, then, do you fear may be taken?" His Excellency eagerly asked. The Doctor raised his shoulders with a gesture expressive of profound ignorance. "Not Gemma's?" "Why not Gemma's?" Malvano inquired, in an intense voice. "In this affair we must speak plainly. Is she not your enemy?" "Certainly." "Then, if a life must be taken, why not hers?" There was a silence, broken only by the low rumble of carriages and cabs outside. "No," His Excellency answered. "Before I give you perfect freedom in this matter you shall promise me that she shall be spared. I have reasons--strong ones." "Certainly, if you desire it," the secret agent replied. The thought at that moment flashed across his mind that, if for the preservation of their secret her lips must necessarily be closed, there were others beside himself who would compass her death. The life of a man or woman can always be taken for a sovereign in London, if one knows where to look for men ready to accomplish such work. "Then you give me your promise?" the Count asked eagerly. "On one condition only," Malvano replied in a firm voice, while his eyes fixed themselves upon those of the Ambassador. "What is your condition?" His Excellency inquired.