Irma had come flying in late, enraged, and in disorder, praying to take Camilla's part; but Montini refused to act with the seconda donna as prima donna.

They had commenced the opera in uncertainty whether it could go on beyond the situation where Camilla presents herself.

'I was prepared to throw up my baton,' said Rocco, 'and publicly to charge the Government with the rape of our prima donna.
Irma I was ready to replace.

I could have filled that gap.' He spoke of Vittoria's triumph.

Agostino's face darkened.