This person returned soon afterwards, bringing a sufficient
meal of fish and vegetables--it was Friday--decently cooked and
almost luxuriously served. An hour later the man came back to
carry away what was left. He asked whether the prisoner needed
anything else for the night.
"I would like to know," said Giovanni, "whether any of my friends
will be allowed to see me, if I ask it."
"I am directed to say that any request or complaint you have to
make will be transmitted to his Eminence by a special messenger,"
answered the man. "Anything," he added in explanation, "beyond
what concerns your personal comfort. In this respect I am at
liberty to give you whatever you desire, within reason."
"Thank you. I will endeavour to be reasonable," replied Giovanni.
"I am much obliged to you."
The man left the room and closed the door softly, so softly that
the prisoner wondered whether he had turned the key. On examining
the panels he saw, however, that they were smooth and not broken
by any latch or keyhole. The spring was on the outside, and there
was no means whatever of opening the door from within.
Giovanni wondered why a special messenger was to be employed to
carry any request he made directly to the cardinal. The direction
could not have been given idly, nor was it without some especial
reason that he was at once told of it.
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