A little paper was fixed in the centre.
She opened it with a mechanical hand, thinking there might be patriotic orders enclosed for her.

It was a cheque for one thousand guineas, drawn upon an English banker by the hand of Antonio-Pericles Agriolopoulos; freshly drawn; the ink was only half dried, showing signs of the dictates of a furious impulse.

This dash of solid prose, and its convincing proof that her Art had been successful, restored Vittoria's composure, though not her early statuesque simplicity.

Rocco gave an inquiring look to see if she would repeat the song.

She shook her head resolutely.