“Ah!” continued Annette, “he sees a great way further than other people! Now he sees into all the Signor’s meaning, without knowing a word about the matter!”
“How is that?” said Madame Montoni.
“Why he says—but he made me promise not to tell, and I would not disoblige him for the world.”
“What is it he made you promise not to tell?” said her lady, sternly. “I insist upon knowing immediately—what is it he made you promise?”
“O madam,” cried Annette, “I would not tell for the universe!”
“I insist upon your telling this instant,” said Madame Montoni.
“O dear madam! I would not tell for a hundred sequins! You would not have me forswear myself madam!” exclaimed Annette.
“I will not wait another moment,” said Madame Montoni. Annette was silent.
“The Signor shall be informed of this directly,” rejoined her mistress; “he will make you discover all.”
“It is Ludovico, who has discovered,” said Annette: “but for mercy’s sake, madam, don’t tell the Signor, and you shall know all directly.” Madame Montoni said, that she would not.