"What ails you, Francesco? You are dealing in enigmas. Why are you dismissed? Why may I not see the Viceroy at once,—ere it be too late?"
"Because it is too late. We part—for life!"
A deadly pallor had overspread her features.
"I do not understand!" she faltered.
His head drooped. It was with difficulty he maintained his self-control.
"I feared as much,—and yet, the word must be spoken,—farewell—forever—these two words alone—"
"Forever!" she exclaimed, "and between us? No,—no,—not that,—not that!" She held out both hands to him. He caught them in his own, as a drowning man would hold on to a straw.
"And yet,—we must!" he replied, with a choking voice. "Oh, Ilaria—Ilaria—my sweetheart—my darling,—save me! Save me!"
He broke off suddenly and stared at her vacantly.
"Lord Christ,—what do I say! No, no! I did not mean that! I pray to God, that we may not."