Had she injured him, or had he
injured her? His words bewildered and oppressed her simple heart.
Vague doubts and fears, and a sudden antipathy to remaining any
longer near the summer-house, overcame her. She started to her
feet, and, keeping the dog still at her side, hurried from the
garden to the highroad. There, the wide glow of sunshine, the
sight of the city lying before her, changed the current of her
thoughts, and directed them all to Fabio and to the future.
A burning impatience to be back in Pisa now possessed her. She
hastened toward the city at her utmost speed. The doctor was
reported to be in the palace when she passed the servants
lounging in the courtyard. He saw the moment, she came into his
presence, that something had happened, and led her away from the
sick-room into Fabio's empty study. There she told him all.
"You have saved him," said the doctor, joyfully. "I will answer
for his recovery. Only let that woman come here for the reward;
and leave me to deal with her as she deserves. In the meantime,
my dear, don't go away from the palace on any account until I
give you permission. I am going to send a message immediately to
Signor Andrea D'Arbino to come and hear the extraordinary
disclosure that you have made to me. Go back to read to the
count, as usual, until I want you again; but, remember, you must
not drop a word to him yet of what you have said to me.
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