Surely the _Signorina_ had no secrets from them; at least not from her sister, if perhaps from her brother-in-law.

Even this indirect appeal to Maria was of no avail, for Noemi remarked, with much embarrassment, that these secrets were not her own.

The Selvas withdrew.
Benedetto remained standing, and did not invite Noemi to be seated.

He was aware that a friend of Jeanne's stood before him, and he foresaw what was coming--a message from Jeanne.
"_Signorina_ ?" said he.
His manner was not discourteous, but signified clearly, "The quicker the better." Noemi understood.

She would have been offended had another person acted thus; but with Benedetto she was not offended.