"Courage, my friend! You know you always get away from the policeman! Ha! ha! ha!" Matilde saw Veronica moving to go to the door.

She straightened herself and pointed to her husband.
"Yes," she said.

"He did it--and he is mad." Her voice was firm and clear, for the die was cast.

When she had spoken, she turned from them both towards the fireplace, and hid her face in her hands.

If he could act his madness out, she, at least, would still be free and alive.