'It was good of you to wait for me,' he said. 'I daresay my brother helped the time to pass pleasantly.'
'I have only just come,' said Francesco, quickly. 'I took our mother home—it is far.'
'I did not know that you were coming at all,' replied Tebaldo, coldly. 'How is it going?' he asked, sitting down by Aliandra. 'Another ovation?'
'No. They are waiting for the mad scene, of course—and my voice is as heavy as lead to-night. I shall not please anyone—and it is the first time I have sung Lucia in Rome. My nerves are in a state—'
'You are not frightened? You—of all people?'
'I am half dead with fright. I am white under my rouge. I can feel it.'
'Poor child!' exclaimed Francesco, softly, and his eyes lightened as he watched her.
'Bah!' Tebaldo shrugged his shoulders and smiled. 'She always says that!'
'And sometimes it is true,' answered Aliandra, with a sharp sigh.
A double rap at the door interrupted the conversation.