"Why not?"
"Do not ask me. I cannot tell you."
"Are you speaking the truth?" Guido asked, suddenly meeting her eyes.
She drew back with a quick movement, deeply offended and angry at the brutal question.
"How dare you doubt what I tell you!" She seemed about to rise.
"I beg your pardon," he said humbly. "I really beg your pardon. It is all so strange. I hardly knew what I was saying. Please forgive me!"
"I will try," Cecilia answered. "But I think I would rather go back now. We cannot talk here."
She rose to her feet, but Guido tried to detain her, remaining seated and looking up.
"Please, please stay a little longer!" he pleaded.
"No."