She caught her breath hard and looked at me sharply, with an alarmed expression.
Seeing that my face was perfectly impassive, she recovered her composure instantly, and answered: "Oh, yes! I have been compelled to write to him once or twice on matters of business connected with my late husband's affairs.

Most unfortunately, Fabio made him one of the trustees of his fortune in case of his death--it is exceedingly awkward for me that he should occupy that position--it appears to give him some authority over my actions.

In reality he has none.

He has no doubt exaggerated the number of times I have written to him?
it would be like his impertinence to do so." Though this last remark was addressed to me almost as a question, I let it pass without response.

I reverted to my original theme.
"What think you, then ?" I said.