The mystery of
that letter is not to be solved in a moment. There are things in
it that are enough to perplex and amaze any man!"
"What things?"
"It is impossible for me to go into details--at least at the
present moment."
"You speak with a strange air of secrecy. Have you nothing
definite to say--no advice to give me?"
"I should advise you not to go to the ball."
"You would! Why?"
"If I gave you my reasons, I am afraid I should only be
irritating you to no purpose."
"Father Rocco, neither your words nor your manner satisfy me. You
speak in riddles; and you sit there in the dark with your face
hidden from me--"
The priest instantly started up and turned his face to the light.
"I recommend you to control your temper, and to treat me with
common courtesy," he said, in his quietest, firmest tones,
looking at Fabio steadily while he spoke.
"We will not prolong this interview," said the young man, calming
himself by an evident effort. "I have one question to ask you,
and then no more to say."
The priest bowed his head, in token that he was ready to listen.
He still stood up, calm, pale, and firm, in the full light of the
lamp.
"It is just possible," continued Fabio, "that these letters may
refer to some incautious words which my late wife might have
spoken. I ask you as her spiritual director, and as a near
relation who enjoyed her confidence, if you ever heard her
express a wish, in the event of my surviving her, that I should
abstain from marrying again?"
"Did she never express such a wish to you?"
"Never.
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