Her strength deserted her; and while Benedetto was being led out by a jailer, she leaned faintingly against a chair.
The priest consoled her. She sorrowfully shook her head, collected herself, slipped a thousand-franc note into the priest's hand, and murmured:
"Give that to those who are as unhappy as I am."
The next moment she wrapped her cloak firmly about her, and strode toward the inn where the driver awaited her.
CHAPTER XVI
THE ESCAPE
"Well," said Anselmo to his comrade as the latter returned, "how do things stand?"
Benedetto did not answer at first, but seated himself on a block of wood and looked steadfastly before him.