"The signorina can't know the danger she is running.

She will be seized on the boards, and shut up between four walls before a man of us will be ready,--or more than one," he added softly.

"The house is sure to be packed for a first night; and the Polizia have a suspicion of her.

She has been off her guard in the Conservatorio; she has talked of a country called Italy; she has been indiscreet;--pardon, pardon, signorina! but it is true that she has spoken out from her noble heart.

And this opera! Are they fools ?--they must see through it.