"Thank you, thank you," she replied, moved.
"I believe that dark days are waiting for you at Naples. I don't wish to prophesy evil, Anna, but that is my belief."
"I'm sure of it," said she, and a sudden desperation showed itself in her face.
"Well, will you treat me as a friend, and remember me in your moments of pain?"
"Yes, I will remember you."
"Will you call me to you?"
"I will call upon you as upon a brother."
"Listen, Anna. Officially I live with my mother in our old family palace. But my real home is the Rey Villa in the Chiatamone. I promise you, Anna, that I am speaking to you now, as I would speak to my dearest sister. Remember this, that, beginning a fortnight hence, I will wait there every day till four o'clock in the afternoon, to hear from you. I shall be quite alone in the house, Anna. You can come without fear, if you need me. Or you can send for me. My dearest hope will be in some way to serve you. I will obey you like a slave. Anna, Anna, when your hour of trouble arrives, remember that I am waiting for you. When you have need of a friend's help, remember that I am waiting."
"But why do you give me your life like this?"