Teresina and
Bastianello were coming quickly along the little wooden bridge, but
Ruggiero was close to her.
"You have not done me a good service to-day, Ruggiero," she said, but
kindly, dreading to wound him. "But it is my fault, and I should not
have pressed you as I did. Do not let the thought trouble you."
"I thank you, Signorina. And it is true that this was not a good
service, and I could bite out my tongue because it was not. But some
Saint may give me grace to do you one more, and that shall be very
good."
"Thank you, Ruggiero," said Beatrice, as the maid and the other sailor
came up.
CHAPTER XII.
Beatrice did not speak again as she slowly walked up the steep ascent to
the hotel. Bastianello and Teresina exchanged a word now and then in a
whisper and Ruggiero came last, watching the dark outline of Beatrice's
graceful figure, against the bright light which shone outside at the
upper end of the tunnel. Many confused thoughts oppressed him, but they
were like advancing and retreating waves breaking about the central rock
of his one unalterable purpose. He followed Beatrice till they reached
the door of the house.
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