‘Leone,’ he repeated, in a musing tone. ‘Friends for Leone. Yes, yes—that was quite right. I will see him by and by.’
‘He is waiting to be called,’ said Maria quickly, for she was anxious to get over the difficult moment as soon as possible.
‘Presently,’ answered Montalto. ‘I have one or two things to say while we are alone. First, as to your friends, I wish you to understand that even if there are some whom I do not know, they shall all be welcome here. They will be the more welcome because they stood by my wife when she was in trouble.’
He put a little emphasis on the words, his figure had straightened and he held his head high. She understood the great generosity of what he said.
‘Thank you, Diego,’ she said in a low voice. ‘You are very good.’
‘There is only one person who shall not come here,’ he continued, in a tone that was suddenly hard.
Maria almost started, but controlled herself; he could only mean Castiglione.
‘Who is it?’ she asked, as steadily as she could.
‘Teresa Crescenzi,’ answered Montalto, turning rather sharply. ‘I beg you never to receive her. She spoke against my mother, and I will not have her in the house.’
Maria actually laughed, though a little nervously.