She had never been seen at the meetings in Via della Vite, and he had never even heard her name mentioned.
"But what makes you think she does take an interest in his fate ?" said Maria.
"Because, you see," di Leyni answered, "I have a message for her which is about him." Di Leyni, whose devotion to Benedetto was boundless, had never credited the scandalous rumours which had been spread concerning him; he had repulsed them with passionate indignation.

He would not admit that his master could harbour either a guilty or an ideal love.

In asking that question, he could have had no idea that a relation of a shameful nature had existed between Jeanne and Benedetto.

Giovanni changed the subject by remarking that Signora Dessalle might not come in for some time, and that, therefore, di Leyni had better speak.
Di Leyni spoke.
He had been to see Benedetto.

On reaching Via della Polveriera from San Pietro in Vincoli, he had recognised two policemen in plain clothes, who were walking up and down.