"What, Matteo!" rising to her feet. "Oh, impossible!"
"Of course that's what he says, also," said Ronald, shrugging his shoulders; "but your sister accused him and he has been arrested."
"Will they hang him?"
"If they prove him guilty, no doubt; but first, they must prove the case."
"I cannot believe it of my cousin, he had no motive."
"Mrs. Verschoyle says he had--that he was in love with her."
"Yes, he was, seven years ago," said Carmela, not without a certain feminine spite, "but that would not have induced him to kill poor Leopold Verschoyle now. Maltese gentlemen don't avenge themselves in such a cowardly way."
"Well, Vassalla says he can prove his innocence, but there's one thing to be said, the whole secret of Verschoyle's death lies between your sister and Vassalla."
"How on earth will it all end?" said Carmela, in a bewildered tone; "but," with a sudden thought, "if Vassalla is guilty I am not bound to marry him now."
"Of course not," said Ronald, taking one of her hands, "I want you to marry me."