Page:In Maremma, by Ouida (vol 2).djvu/321



HEN the two who had hidden, without, returned with timidity and wonder to their resting-place, they found it empty. He was no longer there; he had left them his weapons. They stood a moment, silent, from the reaction of a horrible fear and an overwhelming sense of wonder, gratitude, and rejoicing.

Then the glance of Este lighted on the slender tools of death, and he took them up and examined them with tenderness and delight.

'He has left these for us!' he cried to her. 'Look! he must love you very much.'

'It is for Joconda's sake,' she answered him; her face was grey with a terror that