Ventura was confounded; she hesitated; she trembled; she lowered her eyes admirably well, and finally said:
"Why should you want me to know, Gonzalo?"
"Don't lie, Ventura!" he exclaimed with a furious gesture; but his heart was filled with immense and infinite relief.
"I am telling you the truth—I know nothing about it—but I suspected something. That is why I was alarmed. When you came in I was thinking of going to Cecilia's room to see if she were there."
"How shameful! How scandalous! But this infamy! Some course must be taken—this must be put an end to without anybody hearing of it."
"Yes, yes; but what do you want us to do?"
"I don't know. I will speak to your father—No, not to your father—it would be a fearful blow to the poor man. I will speak to the duke, and we'll see if he resists!"
At that moment they heard a noise in the adjoining room.
"Cecilia has gone to her room," said Ventura. "I will go now and speak to her myself. It will all be put a stop to, and remain a secret. I don't wish you to compromise yourself, Gonzalo mine," she added, throwing her arms around his neck. Gonzalo made a gesture of scorn.
"No, no; I don't want to. It is better for me to speak to Cecilia—wait a minute."