"No, Jacopo; from the moment you call Manuelita yours your life belongs to her. Do not take any oath, for you will never keep it. Did not even Peter deny the Lord three times? and Peter had no loving wife. In six, in twelve months, the thought of leaving Manuelita will surely make you unhappy; I know man, and I know you."
Jacopo looked toward the ground rather ashamed; he was aware that the count had spoken the truth.
"Nor do I demand that you should leave her."
Jacopo breathed a great deal easier.
"What am I to do?" he inquired hastily.
"Swear to me that, at any day or any hour I should call on you in Manuelita's name to assist me, you will follow my orders!"
Jacopo lifted his right hand on high.
"Master, I swear it to you," said he, solemnly.
"I trust to your oath; go and be happy."
Overcome with joy, Jacopo hastened to Marseilles, soon reached the Catalonian quarter, and greeted Manuelita with a bright smile.