The duke at last sat down, and then Cecilia placed herself on his knees, and, throwing her arms around his neck, she put her lips on his cheek.
At that moment quick steps were heard in the corridor, the door was violently thrown open, and Gonzalo appeared with his drawn sword-stick. Cecilia, turning her head, uttered a cry; and the young man recognizing his sister-in-law, sheathed the arm which he carried, and, hastily reopening the door, he repaired in surprise and confusion to his old bridal chamber.
There Ventura was quietly reading by the light of a lamp. On seeing her husband before her she rose in surprise, saying:
An actress would gladly have bought from her that movement and tone of voice.
Gonzalo was taken aback, and knew not what to say; but he got out of the difficulty by exclaiming:
"Don't you know what scandal is going on in the house?"
"What is going on?" returned the girl, with a face so discomposed that if Gonzalo had been more observant by nature he would have seen that it could not have been solely due to his presence. He shut the door, and said in her ear:
"Your sister is in the Persian chamber with the duke! Don't you know anything about it? Tell the truth," he added, seizing her by the wrist.
Ventura was confounded; she hesitated; she trembled; she lowered her eyes admirably well, and finally said:
"Why should you want me to know, Gonzalo?"
"Don't lie, Ventura!" he exclaimed with a furious gesture; but his heart was filled with immense and infinite relief.
"I am telling you the truth--I know nothing about it--but I suspected something. That is why I was alarmed. When you came in I was thinking of going to Cecilia's room to see if she were there."
"How shameful! How scandalous! But this infamy! Some course must be taken--this must be put an end to without anybody hearing of it."
"Yes, yes; but what do you want us to do?"
"I don't know. I will speak to your father--No, not to your father--it would be a fearful blow to the poor man. I will speak to the duke, and we'll see if he resists!"
At that moment they heard a noise in the adjoining room.
"Cecilia has gone to her room," said Ventura. "I will go now and speak to her myself. It will all be put a stop to, and remain a secret. I don't wish you to compromise yourself, Gonzalo mine," she added, throwing her arms around his neck. Gonzalo made a gesture of scorn.