THE PLOT OF THE SIGNOR ANTONIO There was no concealment as to Laura's object in making request for the services of Beppo.

She herself knew it to be obvious that she intended to probe and cross-examine the man, and in her wilfulness she chose to be obtuse to opinion.

She did not even blush to lean a secret ear above the stairs that she might judge, by the tones of Vittoria's voice upon her giving Beppo the order to wait, whether she was at the same time conveying a hint for guardedness.

But Vittoria said not a word: it was Ammiani who gave the order.

'I am despicable in distrusting her for a single second,' said Laura.