She gave the fellow a coin, and beat a somewhat hasty retreat.

Her followers were silent men, accustomed to obey, and they followed her down the steep path without even exchanging a word among themselves.

Beneath the shade of an overhanging rock she halted, and, dismounting from her mule, was served with the lunch that had been brought.

She ate little, and then sat thoughtfully contemplating the bare stones, while the men at a little distance hastily disposed of the remains of her meal.

She had experienced an extraordinary emotion on finding herself suddenly so near to Giovanni; it was almost as though she had seen him, and her heart beat fast, while a dark flush rose from time to time to her cheek.