She took the letter and the pin and examined them by the light,
with a calmness that contrasted oddly with her previous conduct.
Giovanni watched her. He supposed that she had acted surprise
until he had brought forward something more conclusive than words,
and that she was now exercising her ingenuity in order to explain
the situation. His lip curled scornfully, as he fancied he saw the
meaning of her actions. After a few seconds she looked up and held
out the two objects towards him.
"The paper is mine," she said, "but I did not write the letter.
The pin is mine too. I lost it more than a month ago."
"Of course," replied Giovanni, coldly. "I expected that you would
say that. It is very natural. But I do not ask you for any
explanations. I have them already. I will take you to Saracinesca
to-morrow morning and you will have time to explain everything.
You will have your whole life to use, until you die, for no other
object. I told you I would not kill you."
"Is it possible that you are in earnest?" asked Corona, her voice
trembling slightly.
"I am in earnest. Do you think I am a man to jest over such
deeds?"
"And do you think I am a woman to do such deeds?"
"Since you have done them--what answer can there be? Not only are
you capable of them.
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