"You are mistaken, my child. I do not allow the thread by which I hold you to be so easily withdrawn from my hands. I have my spies, and when I heard from Antoinette, my little scout, whither Beate intended to go, I knew enough. At first I accompanied her in the greatest possible _incognito_, then I gained a considerable start in order to obtain the necessary information. I was at the See at Milan. I knew that an enquiry into some forgery was pending against the former priest of San Giulio. I have staunch friends, even at the holy courts of law. A priest, with whom I worked formerly in Monaco, at my desire, enquired if amongst the deeds of the suit a copy of the registry of San Giulio did not exist; a legal official copy certified by the chaplain. I had reason to expect this because the suit concerned a falsification of the register. My supposition was well-founded--now I was safe, now I could play with that dangerous culprit who is your greatest friend, as a cat does with a mouse. All respect to you, we are quits. I awaited her arrival in Orta, dogged all her steps, and my knowledge of the church permitted me to hide myself in the little crypt. The fire of joy at midnight I vouchsafed to her with malicious pleasure, but our marriage, my child, is signed and sealed in the legal copy in the register number two, that lies at Milan, valid before God and man. It is a pity that the travelling expenses, and heroic courage were spent in vain, that the triumph was useless--I have the proofs!" Giulia's courage fell with each of Baluzzi's words. She felt herself to be completely in his power, thus everything that she had done to free herself from him, even Beate's criminal proceeding, was all in vain. She looked at him with the glance of a mortally wounded deer. "You do not believe my story? Here in my pocket-book is the most exact information as to where the document can be found which proves my perfect right to you. Now will you still cry for help?" Silently Giulia covered her face with her hands. "You are going to be sensible, my child; I thought so! That is why I come to you at night, it is very considerate of me, and on a toilsome road too. A wonderful child led me here--my rare little sea-devil, whom I have taken into my service. It is the road upon which you must now follow me!" "What are you thinking of? Impossible!" said Giulia, springing up.