Irma had not; she admitted it despondently. “There is such a vile conspiracy against me in Italy—and Italy is a poor singer's fame—that I should be tempted to do anything. And I detest la Vittoria. She has such a hold on this Antonio-Pericles, I don't see how I can hurt her, unless I meet her and fly at her throat.”
“You naturally detest her,” said the countess. “Repeat Countess Anna's proposal to you.”
“It was insulting—she offered me money.”
“That you should persuade me to assist you in preventing la Vittoria's marriage to Count Ammiani?”
“Dear lady, you know I did not try to persuade you.”
“You knew that you would not succeed, my Irma. But Count Ammiani will not marry her; so you will have a right to claim some reward. I do not think that la Vittoria is quite idle. Look out for yourself, my child. If you take to plotting, remember it is a game of two.”
“If she thwarts me in one single step, I will let loose that madman on her,” said Irma, trembling.
“You mean the signor Antonio-Pericles?”
“No; I mean that furious man I saw at your villa, dear countess.”
“Ah! Barto Rizzo. A very furious man. He bellowed when he heard her name, I remember. You must not do it. But, for Count Ammiani's sake, I desire to see his marriage postponed, at least.”