"Was that the reason for his instantaneous proffer of friendship?"
"Yes."
"And for that reason I was nominated for Parliament?"
"Yes, but that also was the cause of your first failure. It was Siegfried who bribed the witnesses against you. He wanted to crush your pride, draw you closer to him, bring you into close connection with and dependence upon our homes and us."
"So it was all a conspiracy?"
"Yes."
"And Cenni's mock-marriage and your betrayal of the scheme?"
"Were meant to win your confidence."
"So Cenni co-operated with you?"
"She had to. At first she opposed it, and meant to win you for herself. She is a poor girl, and dependent on Diodora's charity; and she had to give way."