"I am coming," said Luciola, and, passing by the gentlemen, she laughingly said:
"Good-by, and do not forget to applaud."
As soon as she had gone, the gentlemen went toward the auditorium, and on the stairs leading to the boxes Pietro paused and hissed:
"Marquis, you know I shall kill you the first chance I have."
"Really?" asked Aslitta; "have you become so bloodthirsty all of a sudden?"
"No evasions," replied the count. "You love Luciola?"
"Why not?"
"And Luciola loves you?"
"I am not vain enough to imagine your statement to be true."
"Beware, marquis," said the count; "I have eyes."