"I do not like to go alone; I cannot, you see. Sister Gabrielle could never ride up that hill on a mule."
"There is a road for carriages," said the Prince. "I will propose something in the way of a compromise. I will bring Giovanni down with me and our team of mountain horses. Those great beasts of yours cannot do this kind of work. We will take you and Sister Gabrielle up almost as fast as you could go by the bridle-path." "And back on the same day?" asked Corona.
"No; on the next day."
"But I do not see where the compromise is," she replied. "Sister Gabrielle is at once the compromise and the cause that you will not be compromised. I beg her pardon—"
Both ladies laughed.
"I will be very glad to go," said the Sister. "I do not see that there is anything extraordinary in the Prince's proposal."
"My Sister," returned Saracinesca, "you are on the way to saintship; you already enjoy the beatific vision; you see with a heavenly perspicuity."
"It is a charming proposition," said Corona; "but in that case you will have to come down the day before." She was a little embarrassed.
"We will not invade the cloister," answered the Prince. "Giovanni and I will spend the night in concocting pretty speeches, and will appear armed with them at dawn before your gates."
"There is room in Astrardente," replied Corona. "You shall not lack hospitality for a night. When will you come?"