‘And you object to telling me why you are. Very strange!’
‘I don’t “object,” Diego. I only say I would rather not. I ask you not to question me.’
‘My dear,’ answered Montalto, ‘only reflect upon what you are saying. In the first place, you are a woman, and you may be mistaken.’
‘I am not. I assure you I am not.’
If she had been less anxious to pacify him she would have asked if men never made mistakes.
‘I confess I should like to judge of that, considering that the honour of my name is at stake,’ said her husband.
‘Your name is safe, and mine too. Please, please don’t ask me to tell you!’
‘Maria, there is some mystery about all this, and I cannot consent to let it go on. It must be cleared up. It is my duty to ask what you have done to stop the publication of those letters.’
She made a last appeal.