"I quite agree with you," said Francesco Savelli. "You only make yourself ridiculous by saying such things," he added, looking coldly at his wife, for he was anxious that none of the ridicule should reflect upon himself, especially in Campodonico's presence.
"I am sure, when I call Ghisleri wild," said the Princess, "I mean nothing more than that he is fast. But I am very sorry to have brought about such a discussion. Adele, my dear, what do you mean? Are you in earnest?"
"One does not say such things for nothing," answered Adele, angrily.
"Then I wonder that you receive him," said the Prince, coldly. "I hope you will explain to me by and by what you refer to."
"I will, some day," said Adele, in a low voice. She felt that she had cast the die, and she hardly saw how she could draw back.
"In that case, we will say no more about the matter at present," said the master of the house, in a tone of authority. "I had meant to ask you for news of your brother," he said, turning to Campodonico. "I was very sorry to hear that he had been ill. Is he better?"
Gianforte answered, and every one made an effort to restore the outward calm which had been so disturbed by Adele's speech. Soon after dinner she went home, and instead of going to his club as usual Francesco got into the carriage with her.
"I insist upon knowing what you meant by your accusation against Ghisleri," he said, as soon as they were driving away.
"I will not tell you," Adele answered firmly. "You will find it out in time—quite soon enough, I daresay."
"I have the right to know. In the world in which we live one makes oneself ridiculous by saying such things. Everybody will laugh at you, and then you will expect me to take your part."