Page:In Maremma, by Ouida (vol 2).djvu/244

 of his strength the little skiff was soon safe beyond the water-mark of the rocks in a cleft that glittered with marbles golden and white, and gleams of porphyry and agate.

Then she took out of it the little fish she had captured, and turned her head to Sanctis.

'If really you do not hunt me, do not come with me. If you try to follow me I will run; you know I am swifter than you. I can go as fast as the bunting when I choose.'

'Will you meet me here once for Joconda's sake?—I will not ask you for myself.'

'Very well,' she said reluctantly. 'It is folly. But I will come if nothing else will content you. I will be here to-morrow at this hour.'

'Not this evening?'

'No; to-morrow. Keep your word, and do not follow me. It makes me feel as the buck feels when the dogs are after him. I am very sorry that you have come from your own country, for it is loss of time, and to you I seem thankless and rude, no doubt. Look up yonder at those rock-martins. What is the best thing you can do for them?