A Sicilian Romance

As Julia and Ferdinand begin to enact their plan, they are interrupted by the friar who heard Vincent's confession. They fear that he will reveal them to the Abate, but what he knows about the marquis has compelled him to help them escape. The pair proceed swiftly through the night and briefly hide in a cave when they hear voices in pursuit. In the morning, they reach the coast and Ferdinand obtains passage to Italy on a small boat. As their view of Sicily recedes, a storm arrives and forces them into lifeboats, and they wash up on a shore, not knowing whether they are back in Sicily or on another island.

The ship's captain, crew, and passengers approach a villa, where they are met by a polite cavalier who offers them refreshment and a place to rest. Julia and Ferdinand spend the day at the villa, where they are lavished with attention by the cavalier's wife and sister. Meanwhile, the Abate discovers Julia's escape and the news quickly reaches the marquis. Upon discovering Ferdinand's escape from Mazzini, the marquis orders his men to find his children.