A shadow flitted across the Viceroy's brow.
"You will move the more swiftly in our train!"
A choking sensation had seized the youth.
"It may not be,—I must ride,—alone!" he stammered. All the color had forsaken his face and his knees barely supported his body.
"And when shall you return?" asked the Viceroy, feigning acquiescence.
There was a moment's silence ere Francesco replied:
"I fear, my lord,—I shall not return!"
Count Capecé started.
"You speak as if you were about to renounce the Court of Avellino forever," he replied after a brief pause, charged with apprehension. "What is the meaning of this? Why do you tremble? Your father is better of his illness! No messenger has reached us from San Cataldo. Is not your presence here proof of his recovery?"