Ticellini hurried to La Luciola's dressing-room. The diva was already dressed for her part, and looked so transcendently beautiful that the maestro held his breath.
"Well, maestro," said the diva, laughing, "do I please you, and do you think the opera will be a success?"
"Oh, signora, I have never doubted it, since you consented to take the part of Marguerite."
A dark form came from the rear of the dressing-room, and the Marquis Aslitta went toward Ticellini.
"Let me congratulate you, maestro," he cordially said, offering Ticellini his hand.
Ticellini hesitated before he took it. Aslitta was looked upon in Milan as a renegade, and therefore Ticellini was very glad when he was called away. Bidding good-by to the diva, he hurried back to the stage, and Aslitta remained alone with Luciola.
"Giorgio," whispered Luciola, giving the marquis her hand, "the eventful hour has arrived."
"Thanks, my darling," murmured the young man; "you are staking your existence to save my country—a whole life would not suffice to reward you."
Luciola threw herself into the outstretched arms of Aslitta.