"Certainly," replied Galotti; "what should we wait for? The Sardinian army is completely demoralized by the battle of Custozza, and is held in check by the Grand Duke Albert, so that it cannot be employed in the interior. The most rapid action is needful; in a few weeks Italy can be freed from the heavy yoke which weighs her down. Everyone is waiting longingly for the word, the giving of which is in your hand." The count walked thoughtfully to the window. "Everything has been prepared so long, thought over so carefully," said he, "and yet now the decisive moment approaches, now the eventful word--'Act!'--must be spoken, giving life and motion to our quiet preparations,--the doubt arises whether all is well organized. Yet we can no longer hesitate. We must send the watchword to Rome and Naples, and to Tuscany," he said, turning to Galotti; "here are three addresses," he added, taking from his portfolio three cards and carefully perusing them. "The text of the telegram is written below, the names, like the contents of the despatches, are perfectly unimportant, they will disclose nothing." And with a trembling hand he held out the cards to Signor Galotti. Madame Balzer rushed into the boudoir. "Do you know, Count Rivero," she cried, "that the army in Bohemia is completely defeated? The news is spreading like wild-fire through Vienna, my maid has just heard it in the house." The count gazed at her in blank dismay. His eyes opened wide with horror, a nervous movement convulsed his lips, and he hastily snatched up his hat. "Impossible!" cried Galotti. "General Gablenz has been victorious in several skirmishes; a great battle was not expected." "We must hear what has happened," said the count, in a low voice, "it would be horrible if this intelligence were true." He was about to hasten away. A violent peal at the bell was heard, and almost immediately a young man in the dress of a priest entered the room. "Thank God! that I find you here, Count Rivero," he cried, "nothing must be done, the disaster is immense, Benedek is totally beaten, the whole army is in wild flight and confusion." The count was dumb. His dark eyes were raised to heaven with a burning look, deep grief was painted on his features. "We must act so much the more rapidly and energetically," cried Galotti; "if this news reaches Italy our confederates will be frightened and confused, the enemy will gain courage, and the lukewarm will become foes." He stretched out his hand to take the cards which Rivero still held. The count made a movement of refusal. "How did you gain your information, Abbé Rosti?" he asked quietly. "It has just been brought from the Hofburg to the Nuncio," replied the abbé. "Unhappily there is no doubt of its truth." "Then the work of years is lost!" said Count Rivero, in a grave and melancholy voice.