That is the rule, you know.

May I ask why you ventured to break it ?" Her tone grew harder by degrees.
"It was very sudden," said Mendoza, trying to put her off.

"I hope that your Grace will excuse my daughter." "What was sudden ?" enquired Dona Ana coldly.

"You say she was not taken ill." "Her--her not coming to court." Mendoza hesitated and pulled at his grey beard as they went along.

"She fully intended to come," he added, with perfect truth.
Dona Ana walked more slowly, glancing sideways at his face, though she could hardly see it except when they passed by a lamp, for he was very tall, and she was short, though exquisitely proportioned.
"I do not understand," she said, in a clear, metallic voice.