Then with a loud cry of astonishment he laid down his burden.
"It is not she, Signor Professore," he said. "I must apologise for
the trouble I have given you. Pray accept my best thanks. There is
a resemblance, but it is not she"
The doctor was somewhat relieved to find himself freed from the
responsibility which, as San Giacinto had told him, involved the
honour of one of the greatest families in Rome. Before speaking,
he satisfied himself that the young woman was really dead.
"Death often makes faces look alike which have no resemblance to
each other in life," he remarked as he turned away. Then they both
left the room, followed at a little distance by the sister who was
going to summon the bearers to carry away her late charge.
As the two men descended the steps, the sound of loud voices in
altercation reached their ears, and as they emerged into the
vestibule, they saw old Prince Saracinesca flourishing his stick
in dangerous proximity to the head of the porter. The latter had
retreated until he stood with his back against the wall.
"I will have none of this lying," shouted the irate nobleman. "The
Marchese is here--the gendarme told me he was in the mortuary
chamber--if he is not produced at once I will break your rascally
neck---" The man was protesting as fast and as loud as his
assailant threatened him.
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