He called up a thing to her recollection in resonant speech.

Shameful lie, or shameful truth, it was uttered in the hearing of many of his brother officers, of three Italian ladies, and of an Italian gentleman, Count Broncini, attending them.

The lady listened calmly.

Count Broncini smote him on the face.

That evening the lady's brother arrived from Venice, and claimed his right to defend her.