Let us say no more.

It were best not to delay in setting out, although I can scarcely think that there is any imminent danger from Ramiro del' Orca now." "Who is he ?" she inquired.
"I told her, whereupon--" "Did they come up with you ?" she asked.

"What passed between you ?" Succinctly I related what had chanced, and how I had sent Ramiro on a fool's errand, adding the particulars of the flight of her grooms, and of how I had rid myself of the litter and the second mule.

She heard me, her eyes sparkling, and at times she clapped her hands with a glee that was almost childish, vowing that this was splendid, that was brave.

I allayed what little fears remained her by pointing out how effectively we had effaced our tracks, and how vainly now Messer del' Orca might beat the country in quest of a lady in a litter, escorted by four grooms.
And now she beset me with fresh thanks and fresh expressions of wonder at my generous readiness to befriend her--a wonder all devoid of suspicion touching the single-mindedness of my purpose.