“Five did’st thou say? But here are six of us!”
“Oh heavens, Gennaro!”
Then rapidly she turned to the guard behind her; almost by a gesture she bade them remove the destroyed gentlemen, and coming down the steps, called to Gennaro to remain.
Helpless—lost—they showed no spirit. Hope had utterly left them. They embraced their friend Gennaro one after the other, and went mournfully from the hall. Gennaro alone remaining, she ran swiftly to the doors, bidding one close them, and ordering that whatever happened, no one should enter the room.
“Thou wert here, Gennaro, thou wert here.”
“Near my friends, lady.”
“Again thou art poisoned.”
“And my friends, lady?”
Suddenly her face lit up. “The antidote, the antidote I gave thee.”
Love of life is strong—so he felt for the little bottle, and he held it before her.