The law will acquit you, and even praise you for defending yourself in need.' 'There must be no need,' she answered, looking at him fixedly.

'Say quickly what you have to say.' 'Will you not sit down, then ?' 'No, thank you.

I would rather not.' It would have seemed like consenting to be where she was; and besides, the revolver lay on the nearest available chair and she would not touch it, much less hold it in her hand, if she sat down to listen.
Giovanni leaned back against the heavy table at some distance from her, resting his hands on the edge, on each side of him.
'After I left you to-day,' he began, 'I had a long talk with Monsignor Saracinesca in the street.

I asked him questions about obtaining a dispensation for you.

He made it look impossible, of course--that was to be expected! But I got one point from him, which is important.