Vittoria supposed at once that this was a smoothing of the way for the entrance of her lover and her joy.  She stood up, letting all her strength go that he might the more justly take her and cherish her.  But it was not Carlo who entered.  So dead fell her broken hope that her face was repellent with the effort she made to support herself.  He said, ’I address the Signorina Vittoria.  I am a relative of Countess Ammiani.  My name is Angelo Guidascarpi.  Last night I was evading the sbirri in this disguise by the private door of La Scala, from which I expected Carlo to come forth.  I saw him seized in mistake for me.  I jumped up on the empty box-seat behind your carriage.  Before we entered the village I let myself down.  If I am seen and recognized, I am lost, and great evil will befall Countess Ammiani and her son; but if they are unable to confront Carlo and me, my escape ensures his safety!

‘What can I do?’ said Vittoria.

He replied, ‘Shall I answer you by telling you what I have done?’

’You need not, signore!

’Enough that I want to keep a sword fresh for my country.  I am at your mercy, signorina; and I am without anxiety.  I heard the chasseur saying at the door of La Scala that he had the night-pass for the city gates and orders for the Tyrol.  Once in Tyrol I leap into Switzerland.  I should have remained in Milan, but nothing will be done there yet, and quiet cities are not homes for me.’

Vittoria began to admit the existence of his likeness to her lover, though it seemed to her a guilty weakness that she should see it.

‘Will nothing be done in Milan?’ was her first eager question.

‘Nothing, signorina, or I should be there, and safe!’

‘What, signore, do you require me to help you in?’

‘Say that I am your servant.’

‘And take you with me?’

‘Such is my petition.’

‘Is the case very urgent?’

’Hardly more, as regards myself, than a sword lost to Italy if I am discovered.  But, signorina, from what Countess Ammiani has told me, I believe that you will some day be my relative likewise.  Therefore I appeal not only to a charitable lady, but to one of my own family.’

Vittoria reddened.  ‘All that I can do I will do.’

Angelo had to assure her that Carlo’s release was certain the moment his identity was established.  She breathed gladly, saying, ’I wonder at it all very much.  I do not know where they are carrying me, but I think I am in friendly hands.  I owe you a duty.  You will permit me to call you Beppo till our journey ends.’

They were attracted to the windows by a noise of a horseman drawing rein under it, whose imperious shout for the innkeeper betrayed the soldier’s habit of exacting prompt obedience from civilians, though there was no military character in his attire.  The innkeeper and his wife came out to the summons, and then both made way for the chasseur in attendance on Vittoria.  With this man the cavalier conversed.