"Thanks," said Ascanio, "thanks, my beloved, for your trust in him."
"You promise to obey me in everything, Colombe?" said Benvenuto.
"In everything."
"Then listen, my children. I have always been convinced that man could do what he would, but only with the assistance of God on high and time here below. To save you from Comte d'Orbec and infamy, and to give you to my Ascanio, I must have time, Colombe, and in a very few days you are to be the count's wife. First of all then the essential thing is to delay this unholy union, is it not, Colombe, my sister, my child, my daughter? There are times in this sad life when it is necessary to do wrong in order to prevent a crime. Will you be courageous and resolute? Will your love, which is so pure and devoted, be brave and strong as well? Tell me."
"Ascanio will answer for me," said Colombe, with a smile, turning to the youth. "It is his right to dispose of me."
"Have no fear, master: Colombe will be brave," said Ascanio.
"In that case, Colombe, will you, trusting in our loyalty and your own innocence, boldly leave this house and go with us?"
Ascanio started in surprise. Colombe looked at them both for a moment without speaking, then rose to her feet, and said simply,—
"Where am I to go?"
"O Colombe, Colombe!" cried Benvenuto, deeply moved by such absolute trust, "you are a noble, saintly creature, and yet Stefana made me very exacting in my ideal. Everything depended upon your reply. We are saved now, but there isn't a moment to lose. This is the decisive hour. God places it at our disposal, let us avail ourselves of it. Give me your hand, Colombe, and follow me."