Virginia took the stricken mother in her arms and sobbed with her.
“Come with me,” she said in low tones, leading the way to the sitting-room in the rear. She closed the doors, and pressed Angela to her knees.
Into the ears of the kneeling woman she whispered an oath.
“You swear?”
“By the mother of God and all the Saints!” came the quick answer.
For ten minutes Virginia gave instructions in tones so low that they could not be heard even by the keenest ear at her door.
There was a light of wild joy in the swarthy face as she rose.
“Now—I live—I breathe—Signorina! Si—si. I understand! I take the little organ and monkey. I go. I see all the people. I whisper to those I trust. We meet. I go again to West Side and do the same. I go everywhere and I tell you. Si—si. I live again!”
She threw her arms about Virginia, held her in silence and left with quick, eager step—the light of purpose flashing in her dark eyes.