"My dear lady," he said at last, "I am very glad you have been so frank. Ever since your daughter wrote me that letter I have felt that it must end in this way. As she does not wish to marry me, I quite agree that our engagement should end at once, so that the agreement is really mutual and friendly, and I shall say so."
"How good you are!" cried the Countess, delighted.
"There is only one thing I ask of you," Guido said, after pressing his right hand upon his forehead in an attempt to stop the throbbing that now began again. "I do not think I am asking too much, considering what has happened, and I promise not to make any use of what you tell me."
"You have a right to ask us anything," the Countess answered, contritely.
"Who is the man that has taken my place?"
The Countess stared at him blankly a moment, and her mouth opened a little.
"What man?" she asked, evidently not understanding him.
"I naturally supposed that your daughter felt a strong inclination for some one else," Guido said.
"Oh dear, no!" cried the Countess. "You are quite mistaken!"
"I beg your pardon, then. Pray forget what I said."