Princess Montefiano gave a gesture of impatience.
"I think you are all mad!" she exclaimed, angrily. "And in this, at least, I will be obeyed. Philippe—"
Don Agostino interrupted her.
"Madame," he said, "let me entreat you not to insist. Donna Bianca is right—it would be an insult. When you have heard all Donna Bianca has to tell you—all that others have to tell you—you will understand better, and perhaps you will form a different opinion. But this is not the place for explanations. It is not necessary to discuss a scandal in public."
"How, monsignore, a scandal!" exclaimed Princess Montefiano, indignantly.
"I repeat it, madame—a scandal," returned Don Agostino, looking at the Abbé Roux and Monsieur d'Antin steadily. "Donna Bianca Acorari and yourself have been the victims of a dishonorable intrigue. Ah, I am not afraid to use the expression, for I can prove my words."
"But you may be mistaken, monsignore—you may be mistaken," observed Monsieur d'Antin, airily, gently rubbing his hands as he spoke.
"If I am so, monsieur, it is for you and the Abbé Roux to prove it," returned Don Agostino, coldly.
"Ah, as to that," Monsieur d'Antin said, composedly, "I can only speak for myself. Monsieur l'Abbé Roux must make his own defence. I am not responsible for his actions."
The abbé's face grew livid.