'Sicily? You are going to Sicily?' She seemed surprised.
'I thought you knew where I was going—' he began.
'No—I guessed; I was not sure. Tell me! Why must you go?'
'I must go because I have promised. San Giacinto would think it very strange if I changed my mind.'
'It is stranger that you should go—and with him! Yes—I see—you are going to take possession of our old place—'
Her voice suddenly expressed the utmost anxiety, as she sprang from one conclusion to another without a mistake. She pressed his hands tightly, and her face grew pale again with fear for him.
'Oh please, please, stay here!' she cried. 'If it were anywhere else—if it were to do anything else—'
'Why?' he asked, in surprise. 'I thought you did not care much for the old place. If I had known that it would hurt you—'
'Me? No! It is not that—it is for you! They will kill you. Oh, do not go! Do not go!' She spoke in the greatest distress.
Orsino was suddenly inclined to laugh, but he saw how much in earnest she was.