"If you are patient, and wait, he may come back to you; what would you gain by killing him? They will send you to prison, and your child will be born in disgrace."
"Perhaps you are right, Signorina," returned the girl doubtfully. "But how can I wait? Where can I go? My father has turned me out of his house, and no one will give me work now. No, it is better that I make an end of it."
She rose, but Ragna caught her hand, and pulled her down.
"What is your name?" she asked.
"Carolina, Signorina, Carolina Manin di Guiseppe."
"Listen to me, Carolina, I will do something for you, I will see that you get work, but you must promise me to do nothing foolish. I can help you as long as you are only unfortunate, but I can't help a murderess."
"A murderess, Signorina?" The girl's eyes dilated.
"A murderess, yes, that is what you would be if you killed your lover. Would you like people to say that your child's mother was a murderess?"
"Madonna santissima, no!"
"Well, then, you will promise me?"