"Why should it trouble you?"
"Because," he said. "I am aware of certain rumors which are circulating about me..."
"And about me?" she said, smiling, knowing that the town was ablaze with tales ranging from she killed her stepbrother to that she was his partner in crime.
"I see you haven't touched your wine," Rose said. "Is that because of these 'rumors?'"
"No, no," d'Aguilar said, but he was mopping his damp forehead with a small lace handkerchief. "I never gave them any credence. And besides, you do not even know me..."
"But I know your reputation. Did you think I might have lured you here? Because I wanted to rid the world of a criminal who seems to be above the law?"