You can spend the night here in
safety when necessary. My house has been offered to the Government as
the headquarters of its secret service. I have in this safe an important
document for you."
She opened it and handed Socola a sealed envelope addressed:
"Signor Henrico Socola,
Richmond, Virginia."
He broke the seal and read the order from the new Bureau of Military
Information placing him in command of its Richmond office.
He offered the paper to the little woman who held the candle for him to
read.
"I know its contents," she said, observing him keenly. "The Government
has chosen wisely. You can render invaluable service--"
She paused and looked at Socola with a curious smile.
"You know any girls in Richmond?"
"But one and she has just arrived with the Presidential party--Miss
Jennie Barton--"
"The Senator's daughter?"
"The same."
"Wonderful!" the little woman went on eagerly. "Her father is on the
staff of Jefferson Davis. Old Barton is a loud-mouthed fool who can't
keep a secret ten minutes. You must make love to his daughter--"
Socola laughed. "Is it necessary?"
"Absolutely. You can't remain in Richmond indefinitely without a better
excuse than your unofficial connection with the Ministry of Sardinia.
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