"Yet it is a fearful and shameful thing to hang from the city wall."
"There are worse things," said he. "But indeed I count not to do it;" and he laughed again.
Venusta sprang to her feet and paced the space between the cave and the river bank with restless steps. Once she flung her hands above her head and clasped them; then, holding them clasped in front of her, she stood by Antonio and bent over him, till her hair, falling forward as she stooped, brushed his forehead and mingled with his fair locks; and she breathed softly his name, "Antonio, Antonio!" At this he looked up with a great start, stretching up his hand as though to check her; but he said nothing. And she, suddenly sobbing, fell on her knees by him; yet, as suddenly, she ceased to sob, and a smile came on her lips, and she leant towards him, saying again, "Antonio."
"I pray you, I pray you," said he, seeking to stay her courteously.
Then, careless of her secret, she flashed out in wrath, "Ah, you scorn me, my lord! You care nothing for me. I am dirt to you. Yet I hold your life in my hand!" And then in an instant she grew again softened, beseeching, "Am I so hideous, dear lord, that death is better than my love? For if you will love me, I will save you."
"I know not how my life is in your hands," said he, glad to catch at that and leave the rest of what Venusta said.
"Is there any path that leads higher up into the mountains?" she asked.
"Yes, there is one," said he; "but if need came now, I could not climb it with this wounded foot of mine."
"Luigi and the young men could carry you?"
"Yes; but what need? Tommasino and the band will return soon."