dle of the room,
beckoned the men to come close to her, raised her fan to her face, and
whispered:

"Don Fabrizio and I are now one. God hears me! You, Master, are in great
peril and surrounded by spies. Some one witnessed yesterday's incident,
and it is now the talk of the town. Don Fabrizio has made inquiries.
There is an accusation against you, and the Inquisition will act upon
it. The informers call you a heretic, a sorcerer, who has bewitched the
king. They will seize you to-morrow, or the day after. The king is in a
terrible mood. The Nuncio openly asked him whether it was true, that
he had been offered an atrocious insult in your studio. Is everything
ready? Can you fly?"

Moor bent his head in assent.

"Well then," said the baron, interrupting Sophonisba; "I beg you to
listen to me. I have obtained leave of absence, to go to Sicily to
ask my father's blessing. It will be no easy matter for me to leave
my happiness, at the moment my most ardent wish is fulfilled--but
Sophonisba commands and I obey. I obey gladly too, for if I succeed
in saving you, a new and beautiful star will adorn the heaven of my
memory."

"Quick, quick!" pleaded Sophonisba, clenching the back of a chair firmly
with her hand. "You will yield, Master; I beseech you, I command you!"

Moor bowed, and Don Fabrizio continued: "We will start at four o'clock
in the morning. Instead of exchanging vows of love, we held a council
of war. Everything is arranged. In an hour my servants will come and ask
for the portrait of my betrothed bride; instead of the picture, you
will put your baggage in the chest. Before midnight you will come to my
apartments. I have passports for myself, six servants, the equerry, and
a chaplain. Father Clement will remain safely concealed at my sister's,
and you will accompany me in priestly costume. May we rely upon your
consent?"

"With all the gratitude of a thankful heart, but..."

"But?"

"There is my old servant--and my pupil Ulrich Navarrete."

"The old man is taciturn, Don Fabrizio!" said Sophonisba. "If he is
forbidden to speak at all.... He is necessary to the Master."

"Then he can accompany you," said the baron. "As for your pupil, he must
help us secure your flight, and lead the pursuers on a false trail. The
king has honored you with a travelling-carriage.--At half-past eleven
order horses to be put to it and leave the Alcazar. When you arrive
before our palace, stop it, alight, and remain with me. U