"I am sure you did not mean to do any; but you disobeyed Madonna Clelia."
Nernia was silent.
"You are a young girl; you must not roam the country at night. It is most perilous. Decent maidens and women are never abroad after moonrise."
Nernia said nothing.
"You will promise me never to go out at night again?"
"I cannot promise that, sir."
"Why?"
"If I be wanted, I shall go."
"If Adone Alba bid you — is that your meaning?"
Nernia was silent.