"No one knows where I am," she added.

"My aunt thinks I have gone for a drive to think over the matter.

I just pulled down the curtain of the brougham and told the man to bring me here--all alone." At this moment Taquisara and Ghisleri appeared on the gravel path, walking side by side, two men strongly contrasted with each other, Italians of the Lombard and the Saracen types, fine specimens both, in the prime of youth and strength.

Bianca gave the Sicilian her hand, and he bowed gravely to Veronica.

Ghisleri brought out more chairs, and without the slightest hesitation sat down beside Bianca, forcing Taquisara to place himself near the young girl.
Taquisara was a man almost incapable of anything like social timidity, in whatever position he might be placed, and he was in reality delighted at thus being thrust upon Donna Veronica, from whom he felt sure that he should learn something about the projected marriage.