to divert her melancholy, by singing the songs of her country, and relating anecdotes of its people; but it will be required of her that she never speaks on the subject of religion."
"Alas!" said Isabella, "I am little likely to do that; my other duties I can perform. When shall we set out?"
"In two hours time. The evenings here are delightful, and the moon is favourable; we shall be unattended, travel early and late, resting in the middle of the day. We shall sleep at Velletri to-night."
"What shall be said to my sister? We cannot steal from her without saying something, as she would conclude we were murdered, apply to the ambassador, and bring on the very exposé we desire to avoid."
"You are right, Isabella, we should be ruined; besides, the cruelty to dear Mary. I leave the matter in your hands; but charge her to be very cautious, for there are circumstances connected with the case and the country not easily conceived by English people. Tell her she shall hear from me constantly, that I beg she will go frequently to the Opera, take airings on the Chiajia, and act as if we should be back very soon indeed; and so we may, you know. On our journey I will tell you every thing. I will prove that I hold you to be indeed my wife, as Portia claimed to be."
Isabella had thought of Portia's words; she also remembered her fate, and said to herself, "surely the burning coals are already at my heart."
