Two days later the book lover and Peter were taking a steamer for Varenna, whence they would entrain for Milan and so return to England.  The meeting of Signor Poggi and Mr. Ganns afforded exquisite satisfaction to Albert, and Peter did not cloud his pleasure with any allusion to the future until the following morning.  Then, having expressed his enthusiasm for Virgilio and his hope of better acquaintance on their return, the American broke to Albert their immediate departure.  He anticipated some protest, but Mr. Redmayne was too logical to make any.

“I asked you to solve this enigma,” he said, “and I am the last to question your methods of so doing.  That you will get to the bottom of these horrid mysteries, Peter, I am quite certain.  It is a conviction with me that you are going to explain everything; but I shall support your operations and if you hold it necessary that I go to England, of course, dear friend, I go.  You must not, however, count upon me for any practical assistance.  It is entirely contrary to my nature to take an active part in this campaign.  To put any enterprise or adventure upon me would be to ask for failure.”

“Fear nothing at all,” answered Ganns.  “I don’t want you to do anything whatever but lie low and amuse yourself.  The danger may follow you, or it may not; but my only wish is to come between you and danger, Albert, and keep you under my own eyes.  For the rest we’ll hide our tracks.  Get Jenny to pack your portmanteau for a ten days’ tour.  If all’s well, you’ll be home again at the end of next week.”

The morning of departure swiftly arrived and while Mr. Redmayne gave final instructions to his niece, Peter and Mark walked the landing stage as the paddle steamer, Pliny, came thudding across from Bellagio to take the travellers on the first stage of their journey.  Brendon defined the position.

“It stands thus,” he said.  “You strongly suspect Doria of being in collusion with another man, but doubt whether the other man is really Robert Redmayne.  What you want me to do is to watch Doria and see if I can surprise the great unknown, or learn the truth about him.  Meanwhile you go home, and your work on the case you prefer to keep to yourself until it is considerably clearer and forwarder than at present.”

“The situation in a nutshell.  Keep an open mind.  I ask no more than that.”

“I will,” answered Brendon.  “Already I suspect the explanation that you have had of Mrs. Doria’s sufferings.  It is tolerably clear to me that she knows more than we do, and has some secret of her husband’s that is causing her unhappiness.”

“A theory capable of proof.  You’ll see a good deal of the dame during the coming week and the time oughtn’t to be wasted, if what you think is true.”

On the steamer stood Virgilio Poggi.  He was come across the water to take leave of Mr. Redmayne and see him as far as Varenna.  The three men departed presently, leaving Mark, Jenny and her husband together.  At Varenna, Virgilio also took his leave.  He was not content with embracing Albert but clasped Mr. Ganns also in an affectionate farewell.