"It is a horrible
mistake, but it is useless to oppose him any longer. I will go, I
say!" An hysterical chorus of cries from her relations greeted
this announcement.
Giovanni made a last effort to prevent her from fulfilling her
intention. He was too much excited to see how hopeless the
situation really was, and his sense of justice was revolted at the
thought of the indignity.
"Donna Faustina, I implore you!" he exclaimed. "I can still
prevent this outrage--you must not go. I will find the cardinal
and explain the mistake--he will send an order at once."
"You are mistaken," answered the prefect. "He will do nothing of
the kind. Besides, you cannot leave this house without my
permission. The doors are all guarded."
"But you cannot refuse that request," objected Corona, who had not
spoken during the altercation. "It will not take half an hour for
my husband to see his Eminence and get the order--"
"Nevertheless I refuse," replied the official firmly. Donna
Faustina must go with me at once. You are interfering uselessly
and making a useless scandal. My mind is made up."
"Then I will go with her," said Corona, pressing the girl to her
side and bestowing a contemptuous glance on the cowering figures
around her.
By this time her sisters-in-law had fallen into their respective
husband's arms, and it was hard to say whether the men or the
women were more hopelessly hysterical.
Pages:
493
494
495
496
497
498
499
500
501
502
503
504
505
506
507
508
509
510
511
512
513
514
515
516
517