"He has slain one of a family that I am bound to respect."
"Certainly, certainly," said Vittoria hurriedly.
Her forehead showed distress of mind; she wanted Laura's counsel.
"Wilfrid, do you know the whole story?"
"I know that he inveigled Count Paul to his house and slew him; either he or his brother, or both."
"I have been with him for days, Wilfrid. I believe that he would do no dishonourable thing. He is related——".
"He is the cousin of Count Ammiani."
"Ah! would you plunge us in misery?"
"How?"
"Count Ammiani is my lover."