"I am waiting, little one; proceed."
Thus encouraged, Zuleika summoned up all her strength and, with downcast eyes, commenced:
"Papa," said she, "in the first place let me assure you that this is no mere lovers' quarrel, but a matter of the utmost importance that demands immediate action."
M. Dantès knitted his brows.
"Has the Viscount been guilty of any impropriety toward you?" he asked, fiercely.
"No, papa, not toward me, but I fear he may have been guilty of impropriety, or, at least, of indiscretion, with regard to another in the past."
"A woman, no doubt."
"Yes, papa, a woman—a Roman peasant."
"I heard of some such thing while you were at the convent school in Rome, but dismissed it as a slander."
"There may, however, be some truth in it."