The desire to see Laura first, and be embraced and counselled by her, and lie awhile in her arms to get a breath of home, made Vittoria refuse to go up to her chamber, and notwithstanding Aennchen's persuasions, she left the castle, and went out and sat in the shaded cart-track. On the winding ascent she saw a lady in a black riding habit, leading her horse and talking to a soldier, who seemed to be receiving orders from her, and presently saluted and turned his steps downward. The lady came on, and passed her without a glance. After entering the courtyard, where she left her horse, she reappeared, and stood hesitating, but came up to Vittoria and said bluntly, in Italian:
"Are you the signorina Campa, or Belloni, who is expected here?"
The Austrian character and colouring of her features told Vittoria that this must be the Countess Anna or her sister.
"I think I have been expected," she replied.
"You come alone?"
"I am alone."
"I am Countess Anna von Lenkenstein; one of the guests of the castle."
"My message is to the Countess Anna."
"You have a message?"
Vittoria lifted the embroidered cigar-case. Countess Anna snatched it from her hand.