The young actress was led to and left alone in a chamber adorned with all the luxurious and half-Eastern taste that at one time characterized the palaces of the great seigneurs of Italy.

Her first thought was for Zicci,--was he yet living?
Had he escaped unscathed the blades of the foe,--her new treasure, the new light of her life, her lord, at last her lover?
She had short time for reflection.

She heard steps approaching the chamber; she drew back.

She placed her hand on the dagger that at all hours she wore concealed in her bosom.

Living or dead, she would be faithful still to Zicci There was a new motive to the preservation of honor.