“Are you sure of yourself?” said he.
“I am sure. Tell me, Carlo, what I must do, and it is done.”
“And if it is dangerous, Marietta?”
“I know but one danger.”
“What is that?”
“To lose your love, Carlo!”
“Then this world has no danger for you, Marietta!”
“Speak, Carlo, speak! How can I aid you? What can I do to obtain your liberty?”
Ranuzi threw a quick and searching glance around the room, as if to convince himself that they were alone, then bowed down close to her ear and whispered:
“I can never be free till the King of Prussia is completely conquered and subjected, and only if I bring all my strength and capabilities to this object, may I hope to be free, and rich, and honored. The King of Prussia is my enemy, he is the enemy of the Church, the enemy of my gracious sovereign of Austria, to whom I have sworn fealty. A man may strive to conquer his enemies with every weapon, even with craft. Will you stand by me in this?”