not! What I would say is of the utmost consequence, and demands the
utmost prudence. Ah, God, that there should live men so cruel!
Lady, your life is in danger."

The maiden started back; the colour fled from her cheeks.

"Do you wish to behold your assassin? You shall not die, but if you
value your life, be silent."

Rosabella knew not what to think; the presence of the old man
terrified her.

"Fear nothing, lady, fear nothing; you have nothing to fear, while I
am with you. Before you quit this arbour you shall see the assassin
expire at your feet."

Rosabella made a movement as if she would have fled; but suddenly
the person who sat beside her was no longer an infirm old man. He
who a minute before had scarcely strength to mutter out a few
sentences, and reclined against the arbour trembling like an aspen,
sprang up with the force of a giant, and drew her back with one arm.

"For the love of heaven!" she cried, "release me. Let me fly!"

"Lady, fear nothing; _I_ protect you." This said, Abellino placed a
whistle at his lips, and blew it shrilly.

Instantly sprang Matteo from his concealment in a neighbouring clump
of trees, and rushed into the arbour. Abellino threw Rosabella on
the bank of turf, advanced a few steps to meet Matteo, and plunged