And then, in a few moments, her thoughts went back to the handsome young Italian, Corsini. She had, in an unguarded moment, given him away. Zouroff's slow, but unrelenting, vengeance would pursue him. The Prince had said that Corsini must disappear. In this autocratic country people disappeared every day, and nobody seemed to wonder. It was such a common occurrence. Next day Madame Quéro, very disturbed, sought Corsini at his private office at the Imperial Opera. Her object was to gain a little time before Zouroff could put his evil designs into execution. She approached him with her most winning smile. "Signor, you reproached me for not having asked you to my villa. Will you allow me to repair the omission? Will you sup with me, _tête-à-tête_, on Thursday night?" She had meant, in this intimate meeting, to give him a few hints as to his personal safety without too closely inculpating Zouroff and his associates, whom she still greatly feared. Nello expressed a thousand regrets. After his duties at the Opera were over, Prince Zouroff had requested his attendance at his Palace, as Princess Nada had wished to again hear his rendering of the romance which had now become celebrated. The voice of the _prima donna_ grew agitated. She was very distrustful of Boris and his ways. "But, Signor Corsini, why go there when you know so well that the Prince is quite indifferent to music? He does not care for any sort, yours or mine." Nello darted at her a shrewd glance. "I do not think myself, Madame, that the Prince is a great connoisseur; but he is generally in his box when you sing." The beautiful Spanish woman blushed ever so slightly. "Ah, Signor, he comes because I am the fashion. But all the same, I wish you would not go." Her manner was very insistent. Nello could see that she was greatly agitated. "Tell me, Madame. You have some reason for not wishing me to go?" Madame Quéro hesitated. She dared not tell the truth, that she feared there was some sinister design on the part of the Prince. Had he not said that Corsini must disappear? Her blood ran cold at the thought. She relied on her woman's wiles. "Suppose," she whispered softly, "that I told you I was very jealous of the Princess Nada. Would that keep you away?" Nello looked at her steadily. A few days ago her request might have had some influence on him, but now he knew her for a traitress. She was only seeking to trap him for her own ends. He was proof against her. Golitzine had warned him. "The Princess Nada is an old friend of mine, Madame. I have promised to play that little romance for her whenever she wishes to hear it. I cannot break my promise." The blood of the Biscayan peasant surged wildly in her veins. "You are a fool, Signor Corsini; you do not know your real friends, I assure you." Corsini assumed his most diplomatic manner. He bowed profoundly. "I have made many friends in St. Petersburg, Madame, but I shall always remember that you were one of the first and best."