"And why not, sir?" he asked, quickly, hesitating whether to get upon his feet or to remain seated.
"Because they are married already," I answered, retreating toward the door. But there was no need for flight. He sank back in the chair, and the stick fell from his hands upon the bricks with a loud rattle. Poor old man! I thought he was quite overcome by the news I had communicated. He sat staring at the window, his hands lying idly on his knees. I moved to come toward him, but he raised one hand and began to twirl his great gray moustache fiercely; whereat I resumed my former position of safety.
"How do you know this?" he demanded on a sudden.
"I was present at the civil marriage yesterday," I answered, feeling very much scared. He began to notice my manoeuvre.
"You need not be so frightened," he said, coldly. "It would be no use to kill any of you now, though I would like to."
"I assure you that no one ever frightened me in my own house, sir," I answered. I think my voice must have sounded very bold, for he did not laugh at me.
"I suppose it is irrevocable," he said, as if to himself.
"Oh, yes—perfectly irrevocable," I answered, promptly. "They are married, and have come back to Rome. They are at the Hotel Costanzi. I am sure that Nino would give you every explanation."
"Who is Nino?" he asked.
"Nino Cardegna, of course—"