To save a criminal--it is unheard of:--you dared to accuse the son of your benefactor of being a corrupt judge." "And so he is," exclaimed Paula furious.

"And what is more, he has inveigled the child whom you destine to be his wife into bearing false witness.

More--much more could I say, but that, even if I did not respect the mother, your husband has deserved that I should spare him." "Spare him-spare!" cried Neforis contemptuously.

"You--you will spare us! The accused will be merciful and spare the judge! But you shall be made to speak;--aye, made to speak! And as to what you, a slanderer, can say about false witness..." "Your own granddaughter," interrupted the leech, "will be compelled to repeat it before all the world, noble lady, if you do not moderate yourself." Neforis laughed hysterically.
"So that is the way the wind blows!" she exclaimed, quite beside herself.

"The sick-room is a temple of Bacchus and Venus; and this disgraceful conduct is not enough, but you must conspire to heap shame and disgrace on this righteous house and its masters." Then, resting her left hand which held the reliquary on her hip, she added with hasty vehemence: "So be it.