"Giovanni? Your lover is then an Italian?"
"Yes, the Viscount Giovanni Massetti."
"You became acquainted with him here in Paris?"
"No, madame; in Rome."
"And you think he has gone thither to clear himself of the charge you mention?"
"Yes, madame. He came to Paris to solicit my hand, but suddenly disappeared after the terrible charge was made. I have not heard from him since and his silence weighs upon me like lead."
"I do not wonder at it; but, perhaps, after all, he is only waiting for a complete vindication and does not wish to write until he has everything satisfactorily arranged. I do not ask you the nature of the charge, Zuleika, and would not allow you to state it to me even if you were so disposed. But answer me one question. You have entire faith in Giovanni's innocence, have you not?"
"I have, madame."
"You are sure he loves you, that he has not trifled with your affections?"
"I am sure, madame."
"He is young, is he not?"
"Yes, madame, he is young."
"Doubtlessly his fault, whatever it may have been, was simply an indiscretion due to his years that has been magnified and made to assume unwarranted proportions by the tongues of envy and scandal. If so, he will repair it and return to you. If he is altogether innocent, as you feel convinced, he will move heaven and earth to justify himself in your father's eyes and yours. Love is potent, Zuleika, and will accomplish miracles. Trust Giovanni and trust Heaven! All will yet be made right between your lover and yourself!"
"Would that I could feel so, madame, but I cannot!"
"And why, pray?"
"Because Giovanni evidently has powerful enemies in Rome and its vicinity who, no doubt, are at this moment operating against him and using all their efforts to prevent him from succeeding in his mission."
"What makes you think he has such remorseless enemies?"
"A letter my father received from Rome in response to inquiries he made and the illusion--it must be an illusion--under which my brother Espérance labors in regard to Giovanni."
"Your brother Espérance! Then he believes in young Massetti's guilt?"
"Alas! yes; he firmly believes in it and stigmatizes the Viscount as the worst of scoundrels."
"Has he given you the reasons for his belief, has he stated them to your father?"
"He has dealt only in vague, mysterious allusions; an oath of silence, it appears, prevents him from speaking out."
"An oath of silence?"
"Yes, and Giovanni is also likewise bound."
"Indeed! What is your lover's reputation in Rome?"
"Of the very best; he is there regarded as the soul of honor."