Noemi hesitated before answering:
"In the night."
As soon as she had spoken the words she realised that they would arouse suspicion, especially after that moment of hesitation; she now awaited an attack, undecided whether to resist or surrender.
"Noemi!" Giovanni exclaimed severely.
She looked at him, her face slightly flushed; she was silent, not even saying, "Well, what is it?"
"Do not deny it," her brother-in-law went on.
"This woman recognised Don Clemente. Do not deny it, rather say so at once; it is a duty which your conscience must surely urge upon you! They must on no account be allowed to meet!"
"What I said is true, " Noemi answered, having now decided on a line of action. In her tone, free from all trace of irritation and almost submissive, there lurked the implied confession that she had not told the whole truth.
"She did not recognise him? But surely you know something more? "
"Yes, I do know something more," Noemi replied; "but I must not tell you what I know. I can only ask you to warn Don Clemente that Signora Dessalle and I propose visiting the convents this morning. I will say nothing more, and now I am going to see if Jeanne is awake."
She left the room hastily. The Selvas looked at each other. What was the meaning of her wish to have Don Clemente warned? Maria read in her husband's thoughts something which
