Ali again nodded; the count shoved the curtain aside and disclosed a secret staircase.
"Spero, conduct La Luciola," he ordered, as he descended the stairs, followed by Spero and the diva.
CHAPTER XXVIII
THE CONSPIRATORS
Arriving at the foot of the stairs, Monte-Cristo entered a large hall, in which several hundred men were assembled. They all rose up from their seats, and, taking off their hats, greeted the count with loud cries of:
"Long live Italy!"
Monte-Cristo approached a white-haired old man, the Marquis of Sante-Croce, and asked him to preside over the assembly. Sante-Croce nodded, and began his address:
"Friends and patriots," he said, "the long-wished-for day has come. Are you ready to defend the flag?"