"No, indeed you have not! But why must I keep the appointment? Won't it be enough if I send the abbé—I mean the monk?"
"He is suspicious, like all criminals; he will never go into Carmelo Tomabene's garden unless he sees you walking there all alone. By going there an hour in advance of the time fixed, you run no risk of meeting him on the road; at all events, go by the Bel Passo road, which you probably know better than the other. Have you ever been to Nicolosi?"
"Never, my lord; is it a very long way?"
"Too far for your little feet, Mila; but you can cling to a mule's back, can't you?"
"Oh! yes, I think so."
"You will find a perfectly safe, gentle beast behind Villa Palmarosa. A child will bring it to you, with a white rose for countersign. Drop the reins on the trusty creature's neck, and have no fear, but let him go as fast as he will. In less than an hour he will bring you to my gate, without once missing the way or taking a false step, however horrible the road he selects may seem to you. You won't be afraid, Mila?"
"And suppose I should meet the abbé?"
"Lash your beast, and don't be afraid that anyone will overtake you."
"But if I am to go by way of Bel Passo, you will surely allow my uncle to escort me?"
"No, your uncle has business elsewhere for the same good cause; but, if you notify him, he will insist upon accompanying you. If he sees you, he will follow you, and our whole undertaking will have come to naught. I have no time to tell you more. I think that I hear some one calling you. You hesitate; does that mean that you refuse?"