"I will never believe that Don Giovanni could--" She checked herself.
"Don Giovanni Saracinesca is a gentleman, madam," said the old Prince, proudly.

"He keeps his own counsel.

I have come by the information without any evidence of it from his lips." "Then I am at a loss to understand you," returned the Duchessa.

"I must beg you either to explain your extraordinary language, or else to leave me." Corona d'Astrardente was a match for any man when she was angry.

But old Saracinesca, though no diplomatist, was a formidable adversary, from his boldness and determination to discover the truth at any price.
"It is precisely because, at the risk of offending you, I desired an explanation, that I have intruded myself upon you to-day," he answered.
"Will you permit me one question before I leave you ?" "Provided it is not an insulting one, I will answer it," replied Corona.
"Do you know anything of the circumstances which led to this morning's encounter ?" "Certainly not," Corona answered, hotly.