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He saw himself at the centre of the stage in this tragic drama, and it was not unnatural that he should desire to figure there effectively after taking so much trouble. Thus, while Sir Walter still opposed, he was surprised to hear Mary plead on the visitor's behalf, and his nephew support her. "Signor Mannetti is quite right, father; I am positive of it," she said.

"And if you refuse, Uncle Walter, he'll only go away and say he cannot help you, and accuse us of giving him all this trouble for nothing," added Henry Lennox. They had their wish at last, and when Signor Mannetti came down to an early dinner in splendid spirits, Sir Walter conceded his desire. "Good, my friend! And do not fear that a night of anxiety awaits you.

Lennox to station himself on the top of the great staircase, and from time to time he may challenge me. He shall say 'Is all well? and be sure I shall answer 'All is well. Could anything be more satisfactory?" Signor Mannetti ate sparingly, then he donned a big, fur, motor-coat and declared himself ready.

Mary's father voiced his emotions when the visitor had gone to bed. "If it didn't seem impossible," he told Henry, "I could almost imagine that Signor Mannetti was trying to pull my leg sometimes." "He tries, and succeeds," answered young Lennox. "He is built that way. His mind is as agile as a monkey, despite his age.

Then, with a few words, they parted, and each shook the old man's hand and expressed a deep and genuine gratitude before they did so. "A little remains to add," said Signor Mannetti. "You shall hear what it is to-morrow. For the moment, 'Good-night! It has been a crowning joy to my long life that I was able to do this service to new and valued friends."

They went into the garden, and Signor Mannetti, finding a snug seat in the sun, decided to stop there. Henry and his uncle exchanged glances, and the latter found his faith weakening, for the Italian's mind appeared to wander. He became more and more irrelevant, as it seemed. He spoke again of the old dog who was at his master's feet. "Euthanasia for the aged. Why not?

"I felt that it would disappoint you to be stopped at the last moment," she said, "but I knew the reason would satisfy you well enough. I feel hopeful somehow; father does not. Yet it is hope mixed with fear, for Signor Mannetti speaks of a great crime." "A vain theory, I'm afraid. Tell me about yourself. You are well?" "Yes, very well.

I will sit here under the electric light and read my Italian papers." Thus once again a solitary occupied the Grey Room and measured his intelligence against the terrible forces therein concealed. Signor Mannetti took leave of them cheerfully at eight o'clock, and while Sir Walter and Mary descended to the library, Henry took up his station at the head of the staircase.

Signor Mannetti had not moved, but as they approached him, to their infinite relief he did so, opened his eyes, stared wildly about him, and then realized the situation. "Alas! Now I have frightened you out of your senses," he said, looking at their anxious faces. "All is well. In less than another hour I should have summoned Sir Walter.

He never reached France, my friends, for be sure Alexander VI. was not the man to let any human life stand between his treasury and three hundred thousand ducats." Signor Mannetti preserved silence for a time, then he returned in very surprising fashion to the subject that had brought him to Chadlands. He had been reflecting and now proceeded with his thoughts aloud.