If I were nettled, it was because a man, having made up his mind, is not willingly thwarted—­for no other reason.  But I do not know that I can accuse myself even of so much.  I did not let her go, nor did I cease to kiss her.  I told her, I believe, with as much calmness as is possible under the circumstances, that I was perfectly determined; I said that she need have no fear of the future, even though in taking me she would take no such fortune as I ought to offer to my wife.  She flamed up at this and cried out that she wanted no fortune and had never led me to believe it.  “Well and good, child,” I replied, “in that case you need have no fears at all, for I, on my side, can ask you to admit that I have given you no reason to suppose me a villain.  If I take you and all that you have, believe me I shall give you in return my mind and affection as well as the respect and gratitude which you have already.  Believe me, Virginia—­”

She moaned and rocked herself about.  “Oh, I love you so!  Oh, do not tempt me—­oh, my lord, my lord, what shall I do?  Oh, Madonna purissima, help me now!” I caught her to my heart.

“Virginia! as beautiful as you are true, you are worthy of a better love than mine,” I cried.  “But a more tender love you will never have.  Friend, saviour, dear and faithful, beloved companion, I need you—­ come!”

She struggled faintly to put me away.  She withheld her lips by averting her head; but I caught at her wrists and held her arms to her sides.  By-and-by she let me have my will, and gave me kiss for kiss.  I had won her; she was mine utterly from that hour.

“My lord and my love,” she said, “you have conquered me.  I will be yours in the manner you desire.  You may be humbling yourself, but you are exalting me.  Have no fear—­I will make you happy.  Ah, but how I will work for you!  You have never seen me work yet!  I am your servant still—­ your faithful servant.”

“We shall serve each other, I hope, my child,” I said.  “There will be work for me to do also.  But what is immediately before us is to escape from Florence.”

Virginia got up.  “Sleep you here, my soul, I will go out and see how the land lies.  Before morning I will see you again.”  She clasped me to her bosom and kissed me fondly, then went quickly out, as swift and salient in her joy as a keen wind of spring that carries health in its forceful pride.  I slept profoundly until daylight, little knowing what her immediate errand was.

CHAPTER XXX

I MARRY AND GO TO LUCCA