It was a hoarse, passionate outcry that broke the golden stupor of the dawn. A sudden light leaped lustrous into the woman's eyes, her face shone radiant in its etherealized beauty.
"Francesco!"
"Ah! At last!"
A great shudder passed through her body. Her eyes grew big with fear.
"Speak to me!"
"Ilaria!"
"Raniero?"
"Dead!"
A great silence held for a moment. The woman's head sank upon the man's shoulder. Madness had passed. Her eyes were fixed upon his with a wonderful earnestness, a splendid calm.
"Is this a dream?"