“And I too promise, that no one shall ever by word or deed lessen this our steadfast friendship. Do you promise?”
“I promise.”
“And I too promise, that neither shall ever seek to do ill to the other, or willingly cause her sorrow, or ever, ever betray her. Promise—the Madonna hears us.”
“I promise.”
“I swear it—that always, whatever befalls, one shall try to help the other. Say, do you promise?”
“I promise.”
“And I too. Besides, that either will be ever ready to sacrifice her own happiness to that of the other. Swear it, swear!”
Caterina thought for an instant. Was she dreaming a strange dream, or was she binding herself for life? “I swear,” she said, firmly.
“I swear,” reiterated Lucia. “The Madonna has heard. Woe to her who breaks her vow! God will punish her.”
Caterina bowed her assent. Lucia took her rosary from her pocket. It was a string of lapis lazuli bound together by little silver links. From it depended a small silver crucifix, and a little gold medal on which was engraved the image of the Madonna della Saletta. She kissed it.