"Signora," he said, turning to Luciola, "have no fear; you are in the house of a friend. Follow me."
La Luciola and Milla accepted the invitation and uttered a cry of surprise. They had entered a room decorated with the finest frescoes and hung with the richest silk and satin tapestries. In the centre of the room was a tent of blue silk under which sat a lady of extraordinary beauty, the same one who had attracted such attention at the Scala.
"Welcome, sisters," said Haydee in a gentle voice as she came toward them, "I was expecting you."
La Luciola and Milla bent over to kiss the white hand she extended toward them, but Haydee would not permit it, and pressing her lips to the young girl's forehead she drew them both to the divan.
"You have acted courageously, sister," said Haydee, turning to Luciola, "but I was not anxious about you. He told me he would watch over you."
La Luciola understood whom she meant by this "he," and she timidly replied:
"Madame, you seem to know all about the terrible affair. Would you permit me a question?"
"Gladly. Ask without fear; I will answer you."
La Luciola hesitated a moment and then firmly said:
"Madame, there is a patriot in Milan who is putting his life at stake for the freedom of Italy. He offered his breast to the minions of Radetzky—"