Presently a servant entered, and presented the morning paper to the Prince.
Alberto opened it with a trembling hand: his wife and daughter watched him attentively.
Suddenly he started—his eyes were lighted up with their wonted fires—a flush appeared on his pale cheek—and he exclaimed in a fervent tone, "O God! I thank thee!"
He could say no more: his emotions nearly overpowered him, weakened as he was by a long illness.
Isabella caught the paper as it was falling from his hands. One glance was sufficient: it told her all! For there—conspicuously displayed at the head of a column—was the following glorious announcement:—
"CASTELCICALA.
"TOTAL DEFEAT OF THE AUSTRIANS—DELIVERANCE
OF MONTONI.
"The French Government have received the following Telegraphic Despatch from Toulon:—
"'The Castelcicalan steamer Torione has just arrived. The Austrians were completely routed on the 23rd. Montoni is delivered. The Grand Duke has fled. The Marquis of Estella entered the capital at three o'clock on the 24th. He has been appointed Regent until the arrival of Alberto I. The Torione left while the cannon were saluting the presence of the Marquis.'"