he realised that only the truth could
be of use in such a case, and that the slightest unfounded invention of
his own against Guido's character must mislead the man he was
consulting. In this he showed himself wiser than he often was.

"Above all," the lawyer concluded, "never mention my name to any one,
and try to appear surprised at anything unexpected which you may hear
about Signor d'Este."

Monsieur Leroy promised readily enough, though reticence was not his
strong point, and he went away well pleased with himself, after signing
a little paper by which it was agreed that the lawyer should receive
twenty per cent of any sums obtained from Guido through him. He had not
omitted to inform his adviser of the celebrated Doctor Baumgarten's
favourable opinion on the Andrea del Sarto and the small Raphael. The
lawyer told him not to be impatient, as affairs of this sort required
the utmost discretion.

But the man saw that he had a good chance of being engaged in one of
those cases that make an unnecessary amount of noise and are therefore
excellent advertisements for a comparatively unknown practitioner who
has more wit than scruples. He did not believe that all of Guido's many
high and mighty relations would take the side of Princess Anatolie, and
if any of them took the trouble to defend her nephew against her, the
newspapers would be full of the case and his own name would be famous in
a day.

CHAPTER XXII

Cecilia told her mother what Lamberti had advised her to do for Guido's
sake, and that she had sent her message by him. The Countess was
surprised and did not quite like the plan.

"Either you love him, or you do not, my dear," she said. "You were sure
that you did not, and you told him so. That was sensible, at least,
though I think you might have found out earlier what you felt. It is
much better to let him understand at once that you will not marry him.
Men would always rather know the truth at once and get over it than be
kept dangling at a capricious woman's beck and call."

Cecilia did not explain that Lamberti feared for his friend's life. In
broad daylight that looked dramatic, and her mother would not believe
it. She only said that she was sure she was acting for the best and that
the engagement was to stand a little longer, adding that she wished to
leave Rome, as it was very hot. In her heart she was hurt at being
called capricious, but was too penitent to den