"Thoughts and words," he said, "which don't correspond with the real events of the world are considered most shameful in Matterplay.""I'm not asking you to lie, only to keep silent.""To hide the truth is a special branch of lying. I can't accede to your wish. I must tell Joiwind everything, as far as I know it."Maskull got up, and Tydomin followed his example.
She touched Digrung on the arm and gave him a strange look. "The dead man is my husband, and Maskull murdered him. Now you'll understand why he wishes you to hold your tongue.""I guessed there was some foul play," said Digrung. "It doesn't matter - I can't falsify facts. Joiwind must know.""You refuse to consider her feelings?" said Maskull, turning pale.
"Feelings which flourish on illusions, and sicken and die on realities, aren't worth considering. But Joiwind's are not of that kind.""If you decline to do what I ask, at least return home without seeing her; your sister will get very little pleasure out of the meeting when she hears your news.""What are these strange relations between you?" demanded Digrung, eying him with suddenly aroused suspicion.
Maskull stared back in a sort of bewilderment. "Good God! You don't doubt your own sister. That pure angel!"Tydomin caught hold of him delicately. "I don't know Joiwind, but, whoever she is and whatever she's like, I know this - she's more fortunate in her friend than in her brother. Now, if you really value her happiness, Maskull, you will have to take some firm step or other.""I mean to. Digrung, I shall stop your journey.""If you intend a second murder, no doubt you are big enough."Maskull turned around to Tydomin and laughed. "I seem to be leaving a wake of corpses behind me on this journey.""Why a corpse? There's no need to kill him.""Thanks for that!" said Digrung dryly. "All the same, some crime is about to burst. I feel it.""What must I do, then?" asked Maskull.