I said I would die first, but she used to laugh a cruel laugh, and say he would soon be here with the priest, and that it mattered not whether I said yes or no.

The ceremony would be performed, and then Ruggiero would sail away with me to the East, and I should be glad enough then to make peace between him and you.

But he never came.

I think she became anxious, for she went away twice for three or four hours, and locked us in here when she went.
"That, father, is all we know about it.

Where are we ?" "You are at San Nicolo." "On the island!" Maria exclaimed in surprise.