The girl turned, laid both hands on his shoulders, and said:—
'And does he not tempt you also? Why did you leave your sainted teacher, Benedetto? Why did you enter into the school of the impious Leonardo? What brings you hither unto me? Do you not know I am a witch? Are you not affrighted lest you lose your soul talking here with me?'
'The strength of the Lord defend us!' he stammered, shuddering.
She silently drew near him, fixing him with her wondrous eyes. At that moment the lightning rent the cloud and flashed on her pale face. Was she the goddess who had risen before Giovanni's awestruck gaze from her tomb on the Hill of the Mill?
''Tis she!' he thought in terror. 'She has found me again, the White She-devil!'
He would have risen, but his forces seemed to have left him. He felt the girl's hot breath on his cheek, and listened as she whispered:—
'Will you that I reveal everything to you? Will you fly with me thither where He is? Ah, it is good there! There is no weariness; nothing maketh ashamed. There all things are permitted as in Paradise!'
A cold sweat broke out on Giovanni's brow, but curiosity impelled him, and in a low voice he asked:—
'Where?'
'Al Sabbato!' she answered with passionate languor, her lips almost touching his cheek.