‘A condemned man does not forget the words of his sentence.’ His voice was dull.
‘I called you a coward and a brute, Balduccio, and I called you the basest of mankind.’
‘It was your right.’
‘No. It was not. I take back those words. I ask your pardon for them.’
‘What?’ His voice rang in the room, hoarse and strong.
‘I take back every word. I was the coward. I made myself believe what I said, and I know you would believe it too. I have been a very wicked woman all these years, Balduccio. I have been wickedly unjust to you. You must try to forgive me.’
Her voice had sunk very low, for it had been hard to say; but his almost broke in his throat.
‘Try? Ah, Maria——’
He moved quickly to come near her, and she was aware of it. Still looking down, she stretched out her hand against him.