'
The evening after their return to Great Ormond Street, Mazzini was
surprised by a visit from Clara alone.
'When I last saw you,' she said, 'you told us that you had been
helped by women. I offer myself.'
'But, my dear madam, you hardly know what the qualifications are. To
begin with, there must be a knowledge of three foreign languages,
French, German and Italian, and the capacity and will to endure great
privation, suffering and, perhaps, death.'
'I was educated abroad, I can speak German and French. I do not know
much Italian, but when I reach Italy I will soon learn.'
'Pardon me for asking you what may appear a rude question. Is it a
personal disappointment which sends you to me, or love for the cause?
It is not uncommon to find that young women, when earthly love is
impossible, attempt to satisfy their cravings with a love for that
which is impersonal.'
'Does it make any difference, so far as their constancy is
concerned?'
'I cannot say that it does. The devotion of many of the martyrs of
the Catholic church was repulsion from the world as much as
attraction to heaven. You must understand that I am not prompted by
curiosity. If you are to be my friend, it is necessary that I should
know you thoroughly.'
'My motive is perfectly pure.'
They had some further talk and parted. After a few more interviews,
Clara and another English lady started for Italy.
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