And there you have the truth: But who would tell Vasconcelos? Once he began to suspect that his honor was at risk, Vasconcelos started to review his whole life. Gomes had been a visitor to his house for six years and was free to come and go as he liked. An act of betrayal would be easy enough. Vasconcelos recalled words, gestures, glances, none of which had been of any significance before, but which, now, began to look suspicious.

For two days, Vasconcelos was consumed by these thoughts. He did not leave the house, and whenever Gomes arrived, he would observe his wife with unusual interest; even the coldness with which she received Gomes was, in her husband’s eyes, proof of the crime.

Then, on the morning of the third day (Vasconcelos now rose early), his brother came into his study, looking his usual disapproving self.

Lourenço’s presence prompted Vasconcelos to reveal everything to him.

Lourenço was a man of good sense and, when necessary, could be supportive too.

He listened to Vasconcelos, and when the latter had finished, he broke his silence with these words:

“This is pure nonsense. If your wife is against the marriage, then it’s for some other reason.”

“But it’s the marriage to Gomes she’s objecting to.”

“Yes, because you presented Gomes to her as the suitor, but she might well have reacted in the same way if you had suggested someone else. There must be another reason; perhaps Adelaide has spoken to her and asked her to oppose the marriage, because your daughter doesn’t love Gomes and can’t marry him.”

“But she will.”

“That’s not the only reason she can’t marry him, though . . .”

“Go on.”

“There’s also the fact that the marriage is pure speculation on Gomes’s part.”

“Speculation?” asked Vasconcelos.

“Just as it is for you,” said Lourenço. “You’re giving him your daughter because you have your eyes on his fortune; and he will take her because he has his eyes on yours . . .”

“But he—”

“He has nothing. He’s ruined like you. I did a little investigating and learned the truth. Naturally, he wants to continue the same dissolute life he has led up until now, and your fortune is a way to do that.”

“Are you sure of this?”

“Absolutely.”

Vasconcelos was terrified. In the midst of all his suspicions, he had still clung to the hope that his honor would be saved and that the marriage would set him up financially.

Lourenço’s revelation put paid to that hope.

“If you want proof, send for him and tell him you’re penniless and, for that reason, cannot allow him to marry your daughter. Observe him closely and see what effect your words have on him.”

There was no need to summon the suitor. An hour later, he called at the house.

Vasconcelos told him to come straight up to his study.

VII