Count San Pietro had short, red-brown hair, and one of his eyes was always closed; a deep blue scar, reaching from the eye to the left ear, disfigured his otherwise handsome face in a horrible manner. A diabolical smile played upon his lips, and Aslitta grew pale as he recognized the count.
La Luciola, measuring the count with a stern look, said:
"Count, by what right have you come here?"
A malicious smile was the answer, and then San Pietro audaciously said:
"Who will prevent me from coming in?"
"I!" exclaimed Luciola, passionately. "Depart at once."
"Ah, you are defending the marquis."
Aslitta was moved to become angry, but he restrained himself, and laughingly said:
"Why should not others have the right to admire La Luciola?"
The diva trembled, but a look from Aslitta gave her courage, and, trying to appear cool, she said: