Page:In Maremma, by Ouida (vol 2).djvu/330

 'Do not talk of that; I did nothing.'

'You did much. And you left your pistols.'

'They may be of use.'

'It was good of you; and I am grateful.'

He had not looked at her since she had first entered; he did not look at her now; many words sprang to his lips, but he did not wish to utter them.

'You know I am not ungrateful,' she said wistfully. 'That is all I came to say. You were bold and generous, and we seemed cravens. It was hard, but you understood;—it was not for myself I would have hidden.'

'I know,' said Sanctis quickly. 'I have never undervalued your courage.'

'That is all I came to say. You will go away now, will you not?'

'Yes; I go away—at once.'

'And this place?'

'This place will not be more forsaken than it has been. It is mine, but most likely I shall never look on it again. Child, why could you not trust me? Could you think I should have betrayed your friend?'

'How could I tell? And his secret was not mine to give away.'