CHAPTER XX.
A NEW DEVELOPMENT "You see, Mr.Denzil," said Ferruci, turning triumphantly to Lucian, "I did not buy this cloak; I am not the Italian this lady speaks of." Lucian was extremely astonished at this unexpected testimony in favour of the Count, and questioned the shopwoman sharply.

"Are you certain of what you say ?" he asked, looking at her intently.
"Yes, I am, sir," replied the girl stiffly, as though she did not like her word doubted.

"The gentleman who bought the cloak was not so tall as this one, nor did he speak English well.

I had great difficulty in learning what he wanted." "But you said that he was dark, with a moustache--and--" "I said all that, sir; but this is not the gentleman." "Could you swear to it ?" said Lucian, more chagrined than he liked to show to the victorious Ferruci.
"If it is necessary, I could, sir," said the shopwoman, with the greatest confidence.

And after so direct a reply, and such certain evidence, Denzil had nothing to do but retire from an awkward position as gracefully as he could.
"And now, sir," said Ferruci, who had followed him out of the shop, "you come with me, please." "Where to ?" asked Lucian gloomily.
"To my friend--to my rooms.