]
HAWCASTLE [continuing]. But I didn't mean Almeric. I meant my august
sister-in-law.
[He reads the paper.]
MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY [smiling]. The amiable Lady Victoria Hermione
Trevelyan Creech has dejeuner in her apartment. What you find to read?
HAWCASTLE. I'm such a duffer at Italian, but apparently the people
along the coast are having a scare over an escaped convict--a Russian.
MARIANO [starting slightly, drops a spoon noisily upon a plate on the
table]. Pardon, Milor'!
MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY [setting down her coffee abruptly]. A Russian?
HAWCASTLE [translating with difficulty]. "An escaped Russian bandit has
been traced to Castellamare--"
[Pauses.]
MARIANO [awe-struck]. Castellamare--not twelve kilometres from here!
HAWCASTLE [continuing]. "--and a confidential agent"--[looking
up]--secret-service man, I dare say--"has requested his arrest. But the
brigand tore himself"--[repeating slowly]--"tore himself"--What the
deuce does that mean?
MARIANO [bowing]. Pardon, Milor'--if I might--
HAWCASTLE. Quite right, Mariano!
[Handing him the paper.]
Translate for us.
MARIANO [reading rapidly, but with growing agitation which he tries to
conceal]. "The brigan' tore himself from the hands of the carabiniere
and without the doubts he conceal himself in some of those grotto near
Sorrento and searchment is being execute'.
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