A few seconds later I crept on in the direction the doctor had taken. At first I feared that, as is so often the case in Italy, savage dogs might be kept there at night to attack any thief or intruder. But as Moroni had entered so boldly, it was evident that if any were kept there they were that evening locked up. Hence, I went forward in confidence until I came to the edge of a beautiful lake lying unruffled in the moonlight, and surrounded by many pieces of ancient statuary, most of them moss-grown and lichen-covered.
As I turned a corner there came into view a large white summer-house with a domed roof, supported by columns--a kind of temple such as one often finds in the gardens of ancient Italian villas. The marble-built summer-house, with carved escutcheons, was a fashion of the seventeenth century. As I peered forward I saw Moroni walking in the full light, approaching the place, from which a dark figure emerged and came forth to meet him.
Instantly I again halted, and straining my eyes recognized that the man who was in evening dress was the owner of that palatial home.
They retired into the summer-house together. What, I wondered, was the object of that secret meeting?
It struck me that perhaps if I succeeded in approaching the spot I might overhear some of their confidential conversation, therefore I stole forward, always keeping in the shadow, and treading upon the grass, my eyes ever upon my goal.
The stillness of the night was unbroken, save by the harsh clanging of the convent bell down at San Domenico, and the howl of a distant dog, while ever and anon bursts of dance music from the villa reached my ears.
At last, by skirting a shrubbery in almost pitch darkness, and scratching my hands and face badly, I succeeded in gaining the rear of the little marble temple, and on hearing De Gex's voice I drew back and waited, scarce daring to breathe. I could hear my own heart beat as I listened intently to certain words distinctly audible.
"Then you think he has suspicions--eh, Moroni? What you tell me is interesting, but also alarming."
"I feel certain he has. He would not have consulted me for an imaginary ailment were it not so."
"Then he must have seen her somewhere in Florence and recognized her! I was a fool to suggest that she should be brought here--so near to me! I was a fool to allow him to slip through my fingers!"