Bishop. Mrs. Falk, you know quite well that you have not.
Leonarda. Or is it on account of the way I have brought up my niece—?
Bishop. Your niece does you the greatest credit, madam.
Leonarda. Then perhaps some of my people have been laying complaints about me?—or some one has been complaining of them?
Bishop. Not even the most censorious person, my dear madam, could pretend that you have been anything but exemplary in that respect.
Leonarda. Then what is it?
Bishop. You can scarcely expect me to tell a lady—
Leonarda. I will help you out. It is my past life.
Bishop. Since you say it yourself—yes.
Leonarda. Do you consider that nothing can expiate a past—about which, moreover, you know nothing?