"You mean that if I cannot explain, as you call it, you and I are to be like strangers. Is that what you mean, Guido? Speak out, man! Let us be plain."
Guido was silent for a while, leaning over the balcony and looking down, while Lamberti stood upright and waited for his answer.
"How can I act otherwise?" asked Guido, at last, without looking up. "You would do the same in my place. So would any man of honour."
"I should try to believe you, whatever you said."
"And if you could not?" Guido enquired almost fiercely.
It was very nearly an insult, but Lamberti answered quietly and firmly.
"Before refusing to believe me, merely on apparent evidence, you can ask the Contessina herself."
"As if a woman could tell the truth when a man will not!" Guido laughed harshly.
"You forget that you love her, and that she probably loves you. That should make a difference."
"What do you wish me to do? Ask her the question you will not answer?"