and often," says Aurelia, twisting her hands about. "To-night he has
said what he should not--and I believe he knows that very well. I had
intended to tell you, if you had come sooner, as I wished--ah, and as I
asked you, Porfirio--you would have heard it all from me. That is all. I
was frightened--Nonna popped him in the cupboard--how he got out, how
you found him there, I know not. But he has done me no harm--nor you
neither, Porfirio. That I swear before the saints in Heaven." The doctor
glared at her--then took her by the wrist.

"Lies, lies, woman!" he said furiously. "He convicts you himself. He
came out of the cupboard of his own act."

She stared in amazement, and forgot the pain he was giving her. "He--
came--out? But----Is he mad?"

"No, madam," said I; and, "No, by Heaven!" cried the doctor, "for I have
no doubt at all but that he intended to provoke me to anger and then to
run me through the body with that sword of his."

I threw up my arms at such a monstrous suspicion. Aurelia, who had been
gazing at me as if she feared for my reason, now looked down.

"Please to let go of my wrist," she said, "you are hurting me, Porfirio.
I know no more than you do why he came out of the cupboard; but of
course you do him a wrong. He did not mean anything of the sort--he is
of a good heart--incapable of murder. And now, please, Porfirio, let go
of my wrist."

But he did not; his rage, gathering in volume, bade fair to convulse
him.