Her sister had said, some time before, that she thought it was time to be going, but the gouvernante--who was generally very particular--had said that there was no occasion to hurry, as their father knew where they were, and would not be uneasy.

She thought the woman must have mistaken the time, and did not know how late it was.
"Of course, this proves nothing.

Still I own that, putting all the things together, I have my suspicions." "It is certainly curious, Francisco, though I can hardly believe it possible that the woman could be treacherous.

She has been for some years in the service of the family, and my cousin has every confidence in her." "That may be, Matteo; but Ruggiero may have promised so highly that he may have persuaded her to aid him.

He could have afforded to be generous, if he had been successful." "There is another thing, by the bye, Francisco, which did not strike me at the time; but now you speak of it, may be another link in the chain.
I was laughing at Maria about their screaming, and saying what a noise the three of them must have made, and she said, 'Oh, no! there were only two of us--Giulia and I screamed for aid at the top of our voices; but the signora was as quiet and brave as possible, and did not utter a sound.'" "That doesn't agree, Matteo, with her being so frightened as to hold the girls tightly, and almost prevent their escape, or with the row she made, sobbing and crying, when she came back.