"But it is true that you were speaking of the lady one does not mention at the moment when the chair gave way," he said.
"Yes," said San Giacinto, "I admit that."
"I agree with San Giacinto, though I do not believe in the evil eye at all," said Ghisleri. "And I will go a little further, and say that I think it malicious to encourage the story about Lady Herbert. She has had trouble enough as it is, without adding to it gratuitously."
"I do not see that we are doing her any harm," observed Campodonico.
"The gossip may be perfectly indifferent to her now," said Ghisleri. "She is most probably quite ignorant of what is said. But in the natural course of events, two or three years hence she will go into the world again, and you know what an injury it will be to her then."
"You are looking very far ahead, it seems to me. As for wishing to do her an injury, as you call it, why should I?"
"Exactly. Why should you?"
"I beg your pardon. I think every one who contributes to the circulation of this fable does harm to Lady Herbert, most distinctly."
"In other words, we are not of the same opinion," said Campodonico, in a tone of irritation.