There was a moment's pause.
"I have decided to tell you something," he said at last, "upon one condition." "Why make conditions ?" asked Donna Tullia, trying to conceal her excitement.
"Only one, that of secrecy.

Will you promise never to mention what I am going to tell you without previously consulting me?
I do not mean a common promise; I mean it to be an oath." He spoke very earnestly.

"This is a very serious matter.

We are playing with fire and with life and death.

You must give me some guarantee that you will be secret." His manner impressed Donna Tullia; she had never seen him so much in earnest in her life.
"I will promise in any way you please," she said.
"Then say this," he answered.