"I heard they had a Raphael that was
especially beautiful; I should like to see it--that is all."
"Do you, by chance, know the Princess Sansevero's niece, from America,
who is captivating Rome this winter?"
"Miss Randolph? Yes."
"Ah, then it will be easy for you to get permission to see the painting.
The gallery is not open to the public, though Cook's, I believe, send a
party out once a week, to see the gardens."
To Derby the suspicion at once became a certainty that, in overhearing
the talk between the Cook's guide and the official, he had by accident
stumbled upon something of serious importance to the Sanseveros. He was
puzzling over it when, in the smoking-room, a few moments later, he
encountered Eliot Porter, an American writer who was making a study of
Roman life. At sight of Derby he called out heartily, "Hello, Jack, when
did you come over?"
Derby drew up a chair beside him, and briefly sketched the object of his
visit.
"Negotiating with Scorpa, I suppose?" asked Porter.
"The Sulphur King?" Derby shook his head. "No, I don't think I shall
need him. I have my hands on a property that promises to be what I am
looking for. The duke wants to work his mines himself and in his own
way. I am merely trying a scheme; if it turns out well, good! If not, I
shall have tested it.
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