"
Malipieri bent his head, but kept his eyes upon her.
"I have told the ambassador that Sabina is engaged to marry you," she
said calmly.
Malipieri started and sat upright in his chair. If he had known her
better, he might have guessed that what she said was untrue, as yet;
but she had made the statement with magnificent assurance.
"Your engagement will be announced in the papers this evening," she
continued. "Shall you deny it?"
She looked at him steadily, and he returned her gaze, but for a long
time he could not answer. She had him at a terrible advantage.
"I shall not deny it publicly," he said at last. "That would be an
injury to your daughter."
"Shall you deny it at all?" She was conscious of her strong position,
and meant to hold it.
"I shall write to the lady who is living under my name, and I shall
tell her the circumstances, and that I am obliged to allow the
announcement to be made by you."
"Give me your word that you will not deny your engagement to any one
else. You know that I have a right to require that. My daughter knows
that you are married."
Malipieri hesitated only a moment.
"I give you my word," he said.
She rose at once and went towards one of the doors, without looking at
him. He wondered whether she meant to dismiss him rudely, and stood
looking after her.
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