"I don't deny it," said Roma.
"Holy Virgin! She doesn't deny it! Perhaps you admit it?"
"I do admit it."
"Madonna mia! She admits it! Perhaps you made an appointment?"
"No, I went without an appointment."
"Merciful heavens! She is on such terms with the man that she can go to his apartments without even an appointment! Perhaps you were alone with him, miss?"
"Yes, we were quite alone," said Roma.
The old lady, who was apparently about to faint right away, looked up at her little shrine, and said:
"Goodness! A girl! Not even a married woman! And without a maid, too!"
Trying not to lose control of herself, Roma stepped to the door, but her aunt followed her up.