And the day after his death, Don Teodoro came and told it all to me." "Bosio!" exclaimed Gregorio, his knees shaking.

"Bosio told--" "What did Bosio tell ?" asked Matilde, interrupting her husband in a loud voice to cover any mistake he might be about to make.
But Veronica had seen Macomer's face and had heard his tone of dread.
Whatever doubts she still had, disappeared for the last time.
"He told his friend the whole truth about your management of my fortune," she answered steadily.

"He told how you had lost your own in speculation and had taken everything of mine upon which you could lay hands--all my income and much more, so long as you were still my guardian--you and Lamberto Squarci, helping each other.

And I understand now why you would not give me that money the other day.

You had not got it to give me.