'But why did he desire I would come alone, Annette ?' said she.
'Why that was what I asked him myself, ma'amselle.

Says I, Why is my young lady to come alone ?--Surely I may come with her!--What harm can I do?
But he said "No--no--I tell you not," in his gruff way.

Nay, says I, I have been trusted in as great affairs as this, I warrant, and it's a hard matter if _I_ can't keep a secret now.

Still he would say nothing but--"No--no--no." Well, says I, if you will only trust me, I will tell you a great secret, that was told me a month ago, and I have never opened my lips about it yet--so you need not be afraid of telling me.
But all would not do.

Then, ma'amselle, I went so far as to offer him a beautiful new sequin, that Ludovico gave me for a keep sake, and I would not have parted with it for all St.Marco's Place; but even that would not do! Now what can be the reason of this?
But I know, you know, ma'am, who you are going to see.' 'Pray did Barnardine tell you this ?' 'He! No, ma'amselle, that he did not.' Emily enquired who did, but Annette shewed, that she COULD keep a secret.
During the remainder of the day, Emily's mind was agitated with doubts and fears and contrary determinations, on the subject of meeting this Barnardine on the rampart, and submitting herself to his guidance, she scarcely knew whither.