She wondered a little why she was doing this underhand thing.

It was not like her, and whatever answer Ruggiero brought her she would gain nothing by it.

If San Miniato had spoken the truth, then he had really believed the engagement already binding, as her mother had said.

If he had lied, that would not prevent his really telegraphing within the next half hour, and matters would be in just the same situation with a slight difference of time.

She would, indeed, in this latter case, have a fresh proof of his duplicity.