“What fate, signora?”
“As I have said, a fearful one.”
“Tell me what it is. By your words it seems to be already determined upon.”
“It is determined—always determined. It is the decree of Corvino.”
“Explain yourself, signora.”
“First, your ears will be cut off; they will be enclosed in a letter, and sent to your father. The letter will be a renewed demand for money. And then—”
“Then?” demanded the captive, with some impatience—for the first time giving credence to the threat that had already been twice spoken by Corvino himself.
“If the money be not sent, you will be still further mutilated.”
“How?”
“Signore, I cannot tell you. There are many ways. I may not mention them. Better for you if your father’s answer leave no hope of a ransom. You would then escape torture, by being immediately shot!”