She rose at a noise of voices in the hall below.
"They are going, Merthyr. See him now. There may be help in heaven; if one could think it! If help were given to this country—if help were only visible! The want of it makes us all without faith."
"Hush! you may hear good news from Carlo Alberto in a few hours," said
Merthyr.
"Ask Laura; she has witnessed how he can be shattered," Vittoria replied bitterly.
Merthyr pressed her fingers. He was met by Carlo on the stairs.
"Quick!" Carlo said; "I have scarce a minute to spare. I have my adieux to make, and the tears have set in already. First, a request: you will promise to remain beside my wife; she will want more than her own strength."
Such a request, coming from an Italian husband, was so great a proof of the noble character of his love and his knowledge of the woman he loved, that Merthyr took him in his arms and kissed him.
"Get it over quickly, dear good fellow," Carlo murmured; "you have something to tell me. Whatever it is, it's air; but I'll listen."
They passed into a vacant room. "You know you are betrayed," Merthyr began.
"Not exactly that," said Carlo, humming carelessly.