Nigel answered only the first question. "Mr. Carden-Cox is not given to apologies."
"But—this time—surely—"
"What does it all mean?" Mrs. Browning inquired.
"It means—oh, it means that Uncle Arthur has behaved shamefully, madre. I used to think him a good man, and I'll never call him so again. But you must not mind—you must never remember what he said. He was in a passion; and words spoken in a passion are worth nothing. Promise me to forget—promise me not to believe—"
"My dear Fulvia! I believe anything against my dear husband!"
"No, no! I might have known that you would not—could not!"
"But I should like to know what led Mr. Carden-Cox to behave in such an extraordinary way. If you would all leave me with Nigel."
"He magnifies and distorts everything!" Fulvia broke in. "Madre, dear, we need not mind him. We will never listen to a single word breathed against the dear kind padre. Never!"
Fulvia was overdoing her part. She glanced in vain towards Nigel, hoping to be seconded; but his face was rigidly irresponsive.
"Mr. Carden-Cox said—" began Daisy.