I am an old man, and I feel that I must do things quickly.

That is my excuse." Corona was again silent.

She was too truthful to give an evasive answer, and yet she hesitated to speak.

The position was an embarrassing one; she was taken unawares, and was terrified at the emotion she felt.

It had never entered her mind that the old Prince could appear on his son's behalf, and she did not know how to meet him.
"I have perhaps been too abrupt," said Saracinesca.