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18
THE SILENT PRINCE
mark that stranger who was with the Princess during her last hours?”
“Yes, your reverence.”
“Where is he now?”
“He hurried off some time ago. I did not notice which way he went.”
“You must find him at all hazards.”
“I can try, your reverence.”
“Can you hold your tongue?”
“Surely, your reverence.”
“Then God and the Holy Virgin speed you on your way. If you are successful, you shall have a handful of ducats. But if I find you unfaithful, your back shall smart for many a day. Now begone!”
The priest returned to the oratory, but instead of repeating prayers for the dead, he was planning a scene in which Monseigneur Ryder and the heretic Francis Junius were to be chief actors.
