From somewhere to the rear of the house came the shrill screams of
Lucrezia, and the Countess cried: "Poor child! They did not even spare
Ricardo, but--after all, he was only a father."
Neri said, gently: "Let me help you, Signorina. The doctor is with your
aunt, but I will call him."
"He cannot give me back Martel," she answered in the same dull,
lifeless tone.
Voices, footsteps, sounded outside and a man in the cocked hat and
uniform of a lieutenant of carbineers came briskly into the hall and
saluted his superior.
"We are ready, sir."