Those people dread nothing like a scandal. The
secret is between them and us. I do not see how any one else can
possibly know it, or guess it."
"The fact remains," said the Princess, speaking out, "that my daughter
spent last night in your rooms, and slept there, as if she had been in
her own home. If it is ever known she will be ruined."
"It will never be known, I am quite sure."
"I am not, and it is a possibility I cannot really afford to
contemplate." She looked fixedly at him.
Malipieri was silent, and his face showed that he was trying to find
some way out of the imaginary difficulty, or at least some argument
which might quiet the Princess's fears.
She did not understand his silence. If he was a man of honour, it was
manifestly his duty at least to offer the reparation that lay in his
power; but he showed no inclination to do so. It was incomprehensible.
"I cannot see what is to be done," he said at last.
"Is it possible that I must tell you, Signer Malipieri?" asked the
Princess, and her splendid eyes flashed angrily.
Malipieri's met them without flinching.
"You mean, of course, that I should offer to marry Donna Sabina," he
said.
"What else could an honourable man do, in your position?"
"I wish I knew." Malipieri passed his hand over Ms eyes in evident
distress.
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