"Say, 'I swear and solemnly bind myself that I will faithfully keep the secret about to be committed to me; and that if I fail to keep it I will atone by immediately marrying Ugo del Ferice--'" "That is absurd!" cried Donna Tullia, starting back from him.

He did not heed her.
"'And I take to witness of this oath the blessed memory of my mother, the hope of the salvation of my soul, and this relic of the True Cross.'" He pointed to the locket she wore at her neck, which she had often told him contained the relic he mentioned.
"It is impossible!" she cried again.

"I cannot swear so solemnly about such a matter.

I cannot promise to marry you." "Then it is because you cannot promise to keep my secret," he answered calmly.

He knew her very well, and he believed that she would not break such an oath as he had dictated, under any circumstances.