"Anything, Signor Hugo! For you have saved my life from that terrible woman."
"She is indeed a terrible woman! and it is to escape her vengeance that I advise you not to sing for at least two months."
"But my engagement at the Ezzelino?"
"Pay forfeit-money. Say you are ill and cannot sing. Then return to Milan with the Signorina and marry her at once."
"But the Contessa?"
"Has gone to Rome for the present; but as soon as she finds out you are alive she will come after you; so, if you are wise, Signor Pallanza, you will obtain some engagement out of Italy."
"Basta, Signor! your advice is good, and I will do what you ask. For two months I will not sing. I will pay the forfeit-money to the Ezzelino and return to Milan with Bianca. It is best so. Per Bacco! what a demon I have escaped!"
I felt greatly relieved that everything had thus been settled, so arose from my chair to take Pallanza to the Signorina, after which I intended to go straight to my hotel and write a letter to Beltrami, telling him of all that had taken place.
"Come, Signor Pallanza, lean on me, and I will take you to Bianca."
"Ah! cara Bianca," he cried joyfully, as I led him to the door; "Bianca, Bianca, gioja della mia vita!"