His brother-in-law slowly approached.
“We are quitting this house,” he said, “which to us is the abode of sorrow and sin. You, I presume, will remain here, bound to it as you are by interest and passion. We are glad to be free from you. My mother desires me to beg that you will not attempt to see her and take leave of her.”
“I had already made up my mind to forego that honour,” said Leon coldly. “Pray be good enough to make that clear to all your family.”
“Very good.—I can only congratulate myself on being the very opposite to you,” said the lawyer laying his hand on his breast. “I answer your ironical philosophy with Christian charity, and announce to you that my mother, my father, all of us forgive you.”
“Thank them in my name. I am edified and delighted by such Christian conduct.”
“We forgive you, not merely for the sad end....”
“What! again?”
“Not merely for the sad end to which you have brought my sister, but for the insult you have offered to her sainted remains.”
Leon sat silent, dignified and sad.
“Do you protest? Do you deny it?” said Gustavo.