“Now,” he said, “my dear Orlandi, till to-morrow farewell.”
“Till to-morrow, Monsieur Lucien?”
“I count upon your punctuality. At ten o’clock your friends and relatives will be at the end of the street. On the opposite side Colona, with his friends, will be likewise present, and we shall be on the steps of the church.”
“That is agreed, Monsieur Lucien. Many thanks for your trouble; and to you, monsieur,” he added, turning to me, “I am obliged for the honour you have done me.”
After this exchange of compliments we separated, Orlandi disappearing in the brushwood, while we took our way back to the village.
As for Diamond, he was puzzled which to follow, and he stood looking right and left at the Orlandi and ourselves alternately. After hesitating for about five minutes, he did us the honour to accompany Lucien and me.
I must confess that while I had been scaling the ruined walls I had had my misgivings as to how I should descend, for the descent is usually more difficult, under such circumstances, than the ascent.
But I was glad to see that Lucien, apparently divining my thoughts, took another route home. This road, also, was advantageous in another respect, for it was not so rough, and conversation was easier.
At length, finding the path quite smooth, I continued my questions to my companion, in accordance with my usual custom, and said—
“Now peace is made, I suppose?”