"Yes."
"Has he been here?"
"Certainly," said La Felina.
"Certainly," repeated Taddeo, "you kept him a long time with you."
"Taddeo," said La Felina, "you are indulging in that villanous habit of jealousy. Ah!" said she, "I am learned in that." She did not give him time to reply. "It is a pity you yet love a poor woman that chagrin and suffering overwhelm, and whose heart is now as withered as her face."
"To me you are what you always were, and what you will ever be," said Taddeo. "Deign, though, to tell me, I beg you, when did the Count go?"
"The Count, again. Did you come hither to speak of him alone?"
"Not so; but an imperious reason forces me to know when he left the hotel."
"About an hour ago," said the Duchess, looking at Taddeo.
Taddeo grew pale and his fingers grasped the back of the ottoman convulsively. His head fell on his bosom, and his eyes became motionless and fixed upon the carpet. He was convinced, and in despair. From this dreary state he was aroused by the pressure of a soft hand.