Lucia hastened homewards with the good news she bore.

Her young nature was elastic, and, in the sudden happiness of having secured Gianbattista's recall, she quickly recovered from the shock she had received.

She did not reflect very much, for she had not the time.

It had all happened so quickly that her senses were confused, and she only knew that the man she loved must be in despair, and that the sooner she reached him the sooner she would be able to relieve him from what he must be suffering.

Her breath came fast as she reached the top of the stairs, and she panted as she rang the bell of the lodging.