"Prudence renders it necessary for me to keep myself in the back-ground in this affair," said Richard; "for fear lest scandal should attach an unworthy motive to my exertions in her behalf, and thus prejudice her cause by injuring her character. Upon you, then, I throw the weight of the investigation." "And I accept it cheerfully," returned Benstead. Markham then took leave of the officer, and having paid a visit to Mr. Gregory, returned home. CHAPTER CLV. PATRIOTISM. It was late in the evening of the day on which Richard adopted the measures just recorded to ensure the most complete investigation into the case of Katherine Wilmot, that a foreigner called at Markham Place and requested a few moments' private conversation with our hero. The request was immediately acceded to; and the foreigner was shown into the library. He was a man of middle age, with a dark complexion, and was dressed with considerable taste. His air was military, and his manners were frank and open. He addressed Richard in bad English, and tendered an apology for thus intruding upon him. Markham, believing him, by his accent and appearance, to be an Italian, spoke to him in that language; and the foreigner immediately replied in the same tongue with a fluency which convinced our hero that he was not mistaken relative to the country to which his visitor belonged. "The object of my visit is of a most important and solemn nature," said the Italian; "and you will excuse me if I open my business by asking you a few questions." "This is certainly a strange mode of proceeding," observed our hero; "but you are aware that I must reserve to myself the right of replying or not to your queries, as I may think fit." "Undoubtedly," said the Italian. "But I am a man of honour; and should our interview progress as favourably as I hope, I shall entrust you with secrets which will prove my readiness to look upon you in the same light." "Proceed," said Richard: "you speak fairly." "In the first place, am I right in believing that you were once most intimate with a certain Count Alteroni who resides near Richmond?" "Quite right," answered Richard. "Do you, or do you not, entertain good feelings towards that nobleman?" "The best feelings—the most sincere friendship—the most devoted attachment," exclaimed our hero. "Are you aware of any particulars in his political history?" "He is a refugee from his native land." "Does he now bear his true name?" "If you wish me to place confidence in you," said Richard, "you will yourself answer me one question, before I reply to any farther interrogatory on your part." "Speak," returned the Italian stranger. "Do you wish to propose to me any thing whereby I can manifest my attachment to Count Alteroni, without injury to my own character or honour?" demanded Richard. "I do," said the stranger solemnly. "You can render Count Alteroni great and signal services."