"Italy, and not Revolution": that is my motto.' 'Or, in other words, "The impossible,"' said Laura.

'A perfect motto!' Again the count looked at her, with the remorseful thought: 'I certainly gave you too much brains.' He smiled: 'If you could only believe it not impossible!' 'Do you really imagine that "Italy without Revolution" does not mean "Austria" ?' she inquired.
She had discovered how much he, and therefore his party, suspected, and now she had reasons for wishing him away.

Not daring to show symptoms of restlessness, she offered him the chance of recovering himself on the crutches of an explanation.

He accepted the assistance, praising his wits for their sprightly divination, and went through a long-winded statement of his views for the welfare of Italy, quoting his favourite Berni frequently, and forcing the occasion for that jolly poet.

Laura gave quiet attention to all, and when he was exhausted at the close, said meditatively, 'Yes.