"There will also be an intimate friend of my sister's, a certain Signora
Dessalle," she added, in a low voice, as if ashamed.
Don Clemente turned his head away, starting violently, and Maria,
feeling the counter-shock, trembled. Then it was he? He at once turned
towards her again, his face slightly flushed, but composed.
"Pardon me," said he, "what is the lady's name?"
"Whose, Signora Dessalle's?"
"Yes."
"Her name is Jeanne."
"About what age is she?"
"I do not know. I should say from thirty to thirty-five."
Maria was now completely at a loss to understand. The Padre put these
questions with such indifference, such calmness! She herself risked a
question.
"Do you know her, Padre?"
Don Clemente made no answer. At this point poor, gouty Dane arrived,
having dragged himself up from the gate with great difficulty, leaning
on Professor Minucci's arm. They were both intimate friends, and Signora
Selva welcomed them kindly, but in a somewhat absent manner.
* * * * *
The meeting was held in Giovanni's little study.
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