I looked my mother in the face.

I filled the cup from the flowing of her tears, the flowing of her blood; and I drank!' Vittoria sent this last phrase ringing out forcefully.

From the inveterate contralto of the interview, she rose to pure soprano in describing her own action.

'And I drank,' was given on a descent of the voice: the last note was in the minor key--it held the ear as if more must follow: like a wail after a triumph of resolve.

It was a masterpiece of audacious dramatic musical genius addressed with sagacious cunning and courage to the sympathizing audience present.