Lorenza fell at the princess feet and poured forth the most affectionate and sincere thanks.
But suddenly she rose on one knee, and listened with trembling and pallor.
"Oh, God, how I shake! he is coming! he means to be my destroyer—that man is at hand. Do you not see how my limbs quiver?"
"I see this, indeed."
"Now I feel the stab in the heart," continued the Italian: "he comes nearer and nearer."
"You are mistaken."
"No, no. In spite of myself, he draws me to him. Hold me
back from him."
Princess Louise seized the speaker in her arms.
"Recover your senses, child," she said. "Even if any one came, even he, you would be in safety here."