“Oh, he will never discuss. But, some day or other, he may no longer obey.”
“Poor Cesare is no favourite of yours,” said Sophia, gaily.
“He is false, and a coward as well. If ever he tries to strike you, it will be in the back.”
“But he loves me.”
“And do you return his affection?”
“Perhaps; though I am not very sure of it. Why do you call him a coward? You are well aware that he fought a duel at Palermo with the Marquis Belverani.”
“Because he knew he was the stronger or the more skilful, and the other had struck him in the presence of fifty people at the club, after accusing him of having cheated at cards. And it was quite true; he did cheat!”
“No one will ever say so again, now that he has killed a man for that very reason! Besides, the proof that he does not cheat is that he always loses.”
“You know something about it?”
“Ah, what should I do with my money if I did not give it to him?”