"By whose orders do I die?" demanded the indignant girl. "Not by his; and no one else has a right to condemn me."
Lucrezia expected this, and was prepared. Alas, that the Lord of Visinara should that day have left his signet ring behind him!
"Do you know this ring!" demanded Lucrezia, holding out the jewel.
"Too well. It is the Count of Visinara's."
"You may then know who has condemned you."
"Oh, Giovanni!" wailed Gina, as she sank prostrate on the floor in her anguish, "this from you!" All idea of resistance vanished with the thought that it was him she so loved who doomed her to destruction. "I thought he was still at the Capella Palace," she inquired, looking up at Lucrezia, a doubt possibly finding its way to her heart. "When did he return?"
"I came not to waste the moments in idle words," returned Lucrezia, as she prepared to utter the falsehood; "it is sufficient for you to know that he has returned, and has given the orders that you seem inclined to resist."
"Implore him to come to me for one moment, for a last farewell."
"I may not ask it. He is with the Lady Adelaide."
"First, my happiness, then, my life, sacrificed to appease the Lady Adelaide! Oh, Giovanni! false, but dear Giovanni—"