"
She crossed them obediently, and the two took each a hand and kissed
it.
Now all this while I could see that she was struggling for speech,
and as they released her hands she found it.
"But wherefore must you go by Nonza, O Marc'antonio? And how many
will you take with you?"
Marc'antonio put the first question aside. "We go alone, Princess.
You may call it a reconnaissance, on which the fewer taken the
better."
"You will not kill him! Nay, then, O Marc'antonio, at least--at
least you will not hurt him!"
"We hope, Princess, that there will be no need," he answered
seriously, and, saluting once more, turned on his heel. Stephanu
also saluted and turned, and the pair, falling into step, went from
us across the clearing.
I watched them till their forms disappeared in the undergrowth, and
turned to my bride.
"And now, Princess, I believe you have something to say to me.
Shall it be here? I will not suggest the cottage, which is overfull
maybe of unpleasant reminders; but here is a tree-trunk, if you will
be seated."
"That shall be as my lord chooses.
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