"I have not heard any of them, except some vague reports about yourself, to the effect that you once took too much wine at the Gerano's house. But Ghisleri made a scene about it at the club, and I have heard no more of the absurd story."
"I did not know that Ghisleri had actively taken my part," answered Arden. "But the story has now reached the form in which I repeated it. For myself, I care very little. It is on account of its connexion with the tales about my wife that I have told it to you."
"May I ask who your informant is?"
"My wife."
"And hers?"
"A reliable and truthful person, whom I shall not name at present. The affair concerns you and me. I have not come to the most important point, which will explain why I came to you."
"I supposed that you came, as to a connexion of the family, to ask advice or assistance."
"No. That is not it. I do not need either, thank you. I come to you because all these stories are distinctly traceable to Donna Adele Savelli."
Francesco started violently, and almost rose from his seat, his face flushing suddenly.
"Lord Herbert—take care!" he cried in a loud and angry voice, and with a passionate gesture.