His happiness was none the less great, nor his gratitude the less deep and sincere, and with both these grew up instantly in his heart the strong determination to serve her at every turn, so far as lay in his power.
It was not much that he could do, he reflected, unless she would show him the way as she had done this very morning.

But, considering the position of affairs, and her evident distrust of her betrothed, it was not impossible that similar situations might arise before long.

If they did, Ruggiero would be ready, as he had now shown himself, to do her bidding with startling directness and energy.

He was well aware of his physical superiority over every one else in Sorrento, and he was dimly conscious that a threat from him was something which would frighten most men, and which none could afford to overlook.

He remembered poor Don Gennaro's face just now, when he had quietly told him what he might expect if he did not hold his tongue.