'You pursue your journey, reverend?' were her first words.
'As far as Neapolis, gracious lady,' came the suave reply. 'There or
in the neighbourhood I shall remain at least ten days. Should you
desire to communicate with me--'
'I think I can save that trouble,' interrupted Aurelia, with
quivering lips. 'All I have to say to your Sanctity, I will say at
once. It is, that you have enlightened me as to the value of solemn
oaths on the lips of the Roman clergy.'
'Your meaning, dear madam?' asked Leander, with a look of bland
disdain.
'You have the face to ask it, deacon, after Petronilla's words this
morning?'
'I feared they might mislead you. The lady Petronilla knows nothing
of what has passed between us. She spoke in anger, and hazarded an
accusation--as angry ladies are wont.'
'Of course you say so,' returned Aurelia. 'I will believe you if you
give me back the paper I signed, and trust to my word for the
fulfilment of what I promised.'
Leander smiled, almost as if he had heard some happy intelligence.
'You ask,' he said, 'for a trust you yourself refuse.
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