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.

‘Have you had food?’ said Vittoria.  ’I have some money that will serve for both of us three days.  Go, and eat and drink.  Pay for us both.’

She gave him her purse.  He received it with a grave servitorial bow, and retired.

Soon after the chasseur brought up a message.  Herr Johannes requested that he might have the honour of presenting his homage to her:  it was imperative that he should see her.  She nodded.  Her first glance at Herr Johannes assured her of his being one of the officers whom she had seen on the stage last night, and she prepared to act her part.  Herr Johannes desired her to recall to mind his introduction to her by the Signor Antonio-Pericles at the house of the maestro Rocco Ricci.  ’It is true; pardon me,’ said Vittoria.

He informed her that she had surpassed herself at the opera; so much so that he and many other Germans had been completely conquered by her.  Hearing, he said, that she was to be pursued, he took horse and galloped all night on the road toward Schloss Sonnenberg, whither, as it had been whispered to him, she was flying, in order to counsel her to lie ‘perdu’ for a short space, and subsequently to conduct her to the schloss of the amiable duchess.  Vittoria thanked him, but stated humbly that she preferred to travel alone.  He declared that it was impossible:  that she was precious to the world of Art, and must