"I cannot help you," I said.
Here it was the turn of the third officer, and second Dominican. He was a fat-faced man with a perpetual smile. "You have done very wrongly, both of you," he said, looking as if he loved the thought.
I said, "I have admitted it."
"Silence," said he. "The Holy Office cannot excuse a breach of the laws of which it is the guardian."
"I break no laws, sir," cried I. "At least none that are under your care."
"Silence," said the Dominican. "I cannot believe a word that you say.
Speak you, young woman, and speak the truth. Of what nation are you?"
Virginia looked him squarely in the face. "I am a subject of the Grand
Duke's, father. I am of Siena."
She had her reasons for the fib, but, not knowing what they were at the moment, I started violently, and the inquisitor turned upon me.
"Do you, young man, wish to make any remark?"
"I wish to say—-" I began.