T.he San Francisco Sunday Call.
THE VIPER OF MILAN
CHAPTER TWENTV-FOUR — Continued
HE ground the rose to powder be
neath his heel, and Ligozzi quail
ed at the wild anguish of his
face. •
"I should have known," he cried. "I
shotfld have known. I called on God
and this is his answer. I will fight
Visconti alone"'
He turned from the cavern to. the
open and 6tepped out among the wait
ing officers.
"Back to camp!" he cried wild
ly. "We are betrayed again, by
a woman who loves Visconti! The
duke of Milan is fortunate; who
•would do the like for me?"
And he flung himself down upon the
bank and sank to the ground.
"Leave us,'^ whispered -Llgozzl."
•Leave us; all is over for tonight; the
prince and I will follow."
"He is much moved," returned one of
the officers.
"All his hopes were on it," said Ll
gozzl bitterly. "His wife, his God."
In disappointed groups the men
moved oS. to spread the evil news.
It was now fully dark, but not so
dark that the three left by the cave
could not see each other in the faint
starlight.
Mastino called to Tomaso. Hla voice
was hoarse and strained.
"Tell me all, boy; tell how it hap
pened."
"My lord." faltered Tomaso. "it Is too
painful." .
"Painful!"* And Delia Scala laughed
harshly. "I am well used to that; tell
me how it happened."
He had risen and, standing in the
shadow of the trees, only the outline
of his great figure was visible to To
maso and Ligozzi, standing a few paces
before him.
"There is not much to tell." said the
boy uneasily: he was sick with disap
pointment and the pain of his wound <
and leaned heavily against his father.
"Agnolo opened the door to me — as ;
had been arranged: he told me, with a
wild face, his daughter was gone. Vie
opnti had carried her off, he vowed. He i
was' half crazed, and ah, my lord, even
as he spoke the courtyard filled with
soldiers, Visconti's sol&iers. The girl
had fled to the palace and told the duke
all. We were betrayed!
"They laughed to see me there;
vowed I should die a merry death,
trusted you would follow and let them
sivc you a warm welcome. Agnolo they
mocked with talk of pardon, for his
daughter's sake, his daughter the'
duchess to be, whom Visconti had pro
olaimed to all his court. If he would tell
them a little more of what you meant
to do! But Vistarnini met them with
defiance. L
"'At least Visconti snail not claim us
both!" ho cried, and then they laughed
and killed him. That was the duke's
.word, they said, not pardon."
Tomaso paused.
"And his daughter lives to be duchess
of MHan!" said Della Scala. "It Is the
will of heaven!" He laughed again
harshly.
"I escaped while they argued over
the poor painter's body, and they dared
not follow, being in terror of an am
bush. If It had not been for saving
. thee, I would I might have died!** And
he sank his head upon his father's
shoulder with heart wrung sobs.
"Take him to the camp," said Mas
tJnc, rising. "How can I comfort him
or thee, wanting It so much myself?"
And he turned away through the trees.
. The air was perfumed and soft, it
fanned the heavy hair back from his
z.Jtr- and rustled the flowers around his
r«*t.
He walked fast. In a. fury of hate. It
«?ame to him to rush into Milan and die
upon the soldiers' spears, If he might
only get his hands upon VlscontL "I"
will challenge him to fight, to wlngle
combat," he thought madly. Then his
mood changed, he stopped and felt for
the locket at his neck.
"Isotta! Oh, my "dear, my dear!" and
his voice was full of tears.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
In Cloth of Gold
QRAZIOSA VISTARNINI. th« J
cayior "of Milan and thn duke's
betrothed, was lodged with regal
Rtatc In the magnificent new
tower that stood in the grounds of the
Visconti palace. Visconti could be lib
eral to a fault where it suited his van-*
Ity or his purpose, and Graziosa's new
residence was decorated with a lavish
ness that made the French stare.
For not only had she saved Milan,
but she had done it solely for love of
him. and It. gratified Visconti's pride
as much as it pleased his ambition.
Save for this girl he had been now even
as had- been Della Scala. and Milan
humbled as Verona. She had been the
means of his once more outwitting a
foe; she had assured his safety, and the
safety of his city: and Visfontl's proud
gratitude showed in the state and
splendor with which he surrounded his
chosen wife.
This glorious summer morning she
was seated on the side terrace that sur
roundwl the tower, a terrace of black
marble and alabaster, the delicate bal
ustraae smothered In lemon and myr
tie trees and clusters of white roses.
Graziosa was In the midst of a bril-.
llant company; the best born dames in
Italy were among her women, and more
knights and pages composed her train
than had ever waited on Vleconti's sis
ter.
Beneath them the garden, reached
. by a shallow flight of steps. Spread in
perfect loveliness to the palace, above
whose pink brick walls and rugged
gray fortifications floated the banner
of the Viper. »
The air was golden with the bright-*
ness of the sun, there was not v cloud
In the purple sky and Graziosa's lieart
was sing-ing- in pure happiness. BSB
She rose £rom her chair Impulsively,
and walked to the edge of the terrace,
leaning over the balustrade, the ladles
behind her. •
'"Tis sad to think there should- be
fighting on such a day as this," said '
one. handln*g' Graziosa her "God
grant it may soon be peace!" .
"God grant if." repeated the painter's
daughter fervently.
"They say the Veronese can not hold
out much longer," said another. "This
very • morn there was news. 'Bassano
has fallen — — " V \
Graziosa picked a cluster of roses
and buried her face in them.
"How beautiful they are!" she said.'.
"See, they have little-hearts all "gold,
never showing till they die; a pretty
fancy, is it not?" And she stroked
them tenderly
"Bassano has fallen?" she repeated
Idly.
"Yes, and 'tis said they can not fall
in getting Reggio.".
"Then my lord's arms are everywhere
victorious!" cried Grazlosa with spark
ling eyee.
"As ever, lady," was the answer. '
"And we can hope for peace,", contin-.
ued Graziosa softly.
"And when peace is proclaimed you
will be duchess — almost queen— of \u25a0
Lombardy, Gian Visconti's .wife!"
There was a note of envy in th«;,
speaker's voice at such a splendid dcs- :
tiny,' but Graziosa did not notice it. She
even shuddered faintty at Visconti's
name; it bad been associated with awe
and terror too long for her to be able
to easily shake the fear away.
"Meanwhile, the sun is shining hot,
lady," said a" third attendant. "Will
you not come into the shelter?"
Graziosa " moved away; t.ie white
roses at her" bosom were not more
pure than her face. Two pages lifted
her rich train, and as- she crossed the
terrace a third came and spoke to her
on bended knee.
"My- Lord Giannotto waits' your
pleasure, lady." ;
"Tell him I am here," and the color
rose in Graziosa's , face at so > much
honor. - ~
"Lady," said the secretary, bowing
low, "my lord sent me to say he-will
wait on you himself; and meanwhile if
you have any .commands" —
Graziosa interrupted him.
"Indeed, my lord is too good ; what
commands should I have?" Tell him so
with my deepest thanks, sir."
Giannotto looked at her curiously,
with a mixture of pity and wonder.
"lie comes, himself, lady, to hear
your thanks and learn your will."
And he stepped aside, joining the
group that had Veen gathered about
Graziosa. '
Gian Visconti was coming through
the garden, a grave looking man by.
his side, a white hound at his hdels, :
and two boys following, one bearing a
wooden case, the other carrying a roll
of drawings.
Visconti was talking to his compan
ion; he was in the best of humors, at
the height of triumph and success,
his enemies .rell under his heel, his
ambitions on the point of being grati
fied.
Graziosa came to the head of the
steps, and Visconti took his gold cap
off and waved it, coming up them
gayly.
She stood silent in the glory of the
sunshine, and held out her hands, and
he kissed them, and looked at her and
laughed pleasantly. :;
"Now art ' thou happy^ donna mia?"
he said. "Hast thou -all that thou
couldet wish?,"- ' .
"More than I, ever dreamed of, my
lord," she answered softly. *I did not
know thei*rt)rld could be so beautiful—
or, so: happy."
.'"Tie bun a small return,: Graziosa,
my beloved, for what thou " hast done
for me,", returned Visconti. /'And I
will .make .It more— this is "but. Jan:
earnent of the future. Visconti's , wife
shall live In such splendor that men
shall not see her for its dazzle."
"What am I, that thou shouldst give
me so much joyl" cried Graziosa with
swimming eyes.
.Visconti smiled. •
"Thou art thyself — It Is enough!"
He turned to his companion, who
stood respectfully at some little dist
ance. . , /
"Come' hither, Messer Gambera. Here
is a lady who shall often pray within
church— my betrothed, who saved
us Milan."
Messer Gambera bowed low and .
kissed the hem of her grown.
Visccntl watched his homage with
pleased pride, and turned again to.
Graziosa. "
"Now, I have somewhat . to j show
thee. This is the architect of my new
church,' which shall -be the ' wonder ;.'of ;
all Italy. Follow mo, Messer." And he •
led the way, into the entrance hall.
ItvWae low and. wide, the walls cov
ered with frescoes, the floor red sand
stone,, the windows opening; pn to the
terrace. '.
In the widdle stood a gilt stucco '
table, and *to this Visconti ; ; drew ,a;
chair and bade Graziosa seat herself. :.
"Here is what I will; make of Milan; \
sweet, when the war,, is ended!" he said -
as the architect unrolled' and arranged'
his drawings. ' •'. /
"And wlir that be soon?" she asked,
looking up at him. . -
"Aye, I hope so," laughed the duke.
"Mastino delia Seal a grows weaker 'day
by day — I have Bassano, and shall have.
Regglo. - He has lost his wits as r well
as his fortresses,' 'for he'i bids me to a
single combat,, all to stand or fall by;
our own swords. He has . his answer,"
and I have hi» wife. ; Now, look at :
these, Graziosa— —"and: he, took;* tho?
drawings from the architect and spread
them on the table.W >
"My new church."' he said. IThe;
plans, my well C;,L'
And he looked eagerly- at Graziosa.
; "Indeed," my/lord. I do nor uhderstatid
them— it is no (churcn, surely?" And
Ehe raised a sweets bewildered face.
"'Tis the .plan 'of;' one. -Messer; Gam
bera will ; explain it," ; and *he motioned '
eagerly to the archltect.'."Here,' Messer,
this is: the: porch rj/; And "he;.; laid his '
finger 'on; the drawing, absorbed in con- :
"Set on three steps?"
"!Tls soiany-lord.^^4
."lido not care for that, Messcr. and; I;
will have more carving— would you not, ''*
Graziosa?" '
"You' must not. askime; 1 indeed I do
not.know,". she Smiled.;. - '. '\u0084
Visconti's* face for an instant dark
ened. -..".You' must learn.',' he said.- ,vMy
duchess, must know, architecture. 1 Take "
COFYRIOIT. 1006, BY "N^CLURE/. PlfflXlßr C© CO
away the plans, ,Messer; ; l will .look; \u25a0
at -them alone.'*.-' VV." : : •-'\u25a0/\u25a0:
"Perchance ?the lady [might -care 'foriivl
the model,' my. .lord T',i returned :• the; ar-; •\u25a0
chitect. ' lie 6pbke^bad : Italian," and' was 'i
shaking with nervousness., J
."Bring : the '; model.'.' replied
and, the vpage' placed the; box.- upon' the/,
table.. .-•,-\u25a0-,\u25a0; ''\u25a0\u25a0:,.,{.: *> \u25a0\u25a0"\u25a0'- \u25a0'-\u25a0.\u25a0: »•>.„'\u25a0', ;''xr>
Messer Gambera touched 1 a r sprlhg and ':\u25a0;\u25a0
it > flew apardEhowing'an 'exquisite 'll t-'K
tie > model of white & some « 12;.f
inches high;V \u25a0_ ;;r" ?: : - ; . ' ;: ;:,
"'Oh! lsbeautif ul!"i said. Graziosa^'
and Visconti looked" at^ her; with spark- '
ling eyes. v ',l-' % r: . ;'.\u25a0'\u25a0' '"'" "'".. /, ""'"''.',
"You think so? I Yes, It will. be. beau-" V
tiful— the church" of all Lombardy." :?l*-v~
Xr'lti'rt'lll belikefthis, ofmarbler* she i
asked, breathless. ;\u25a0• v . .\u25a0'\u25a0\u25a0./-; '\u25a0\u25a0'_- :Uf \u25a0
- "Every inch- 1 — from the porch to : the .i
pinnacles, 'and the floor 'shall ; be : pre-,
cious : mosaic; and. the altars; crystal and^
serpentine,-: jasper ' and " men
shall spend their llyesf ln|carvlng. : one ;"
pillar, and I the price |of \u25ba cities j shall] pay "
for the gold that shall be lavished on iL^'
Not Jn; our life will" this ;:bei done, , nor/
in the livesjoftthose? ; thatireign rafter^,
us^or . even ; they/; that follow,-' but. flri^
ished It shall , be,'J and j ono of ; the .won- :'
ders o* tho f ;world-— and- 1 'shall^be -re- H ?
membcred as he who' planned it — to the
glory " of -God ."and the" hoUßOjof Vis- ;:
'contl!"-' \u25a0-.'\u25a0.. :'.;f. '•-' '\u25a0."- t -y, -,;;.; ~' : -'''^ ry 'u-\*}'^'
He turned with' shlnlng:eyes" to the '",'
architect, who gazed Ton ; him - with . ad T ' jV
miration,. with a face that; reflected the
speaker's own : fervor. - - -• . !•. i ' ;/,: ,iJ
"Yes, mine will :be^he;glory,\ though ~;;
I shall never see the pinnacles : klss;the "-$
sky, , or hear the. 1 mass, beneath';- thatv
marble roof— mine l will i be'; the': glory-^- 5 .;
even though I' amfnotf buried -there,; it,'!
will be^my monument to -all -eternity !"j;;
Graziosa gazed at him in silence; she ;•<
could not ; understand. glanced ;
down at her with a' smile. V V _
"Would it not be a worthytomb, even ;
for a.klng,; Graziosa?",-; >rvii './ '
"For an emperor-r-but we ..'vwlll :,notj" ,
talk of tombs, my lord," r she 'answered,
"but of pleasant. things, : ahd^-and—- of '/_
something that I have to ask you.'- V^j
"What?" smiled Visconti. -
The pages had'gathered up the draw-;
ings, and the architect had removed his
precious model and withdrawn. ', : -
They were alone, J and , Graziosa rose •
and looked at Visconti a little timidly."
"I— l. mean— there will.be peace soon;
— you think, my lord?" . ,
"I think so— but peace or war, it shall -j
not touch thee, Graziosa." i'* : --J-k\
"Indeed, I do not fear; lt— but— — " {
y; j She hesitated a moment, and glanced
a~nxiously at Visconti's smiling; face. ; <
"Prince Mastlno's wife— -my lord-^--"-^]
"What of her?" asked Gian, lightly.
"How.does she trouble thee?" .
"IJ fear she is "in : sad woe," said ; '
Graziosa, encouraged by his tone. "She
will,'-; return! to Delia. Scala f when , the '.
war is ended." '<.' . - J
I Visconti .laughed. . . ,\
" "The war will not be ended till she. ,
does, methinks; yet be ; comforted, '
Graziosa; .before * our : wedding * day : she ;.
shall be in Delia' Scala'scampr-and : the
war over; n.ow thlnkof it no more." v \
"Indeed I am satisfied; and my father,' ;
my lord?"
"Now can; I' help it an he will not
come to , the palace ?/- My ; word ; "on ; It, he : '
Is safe; think no more of. that, Graziosa. r
My word- on"- it, he Is safe! Now are you.,
content?*.'.' : "'- -' "f ' \u25a0-\u25a0\u25a0.' '\u25a0'\u25a0\u25a0' '
V'Jly .dear.';dearrlord,ll am (content;': I/* <
will troubleVyou no^ more V.wjth »fquest^ l
tlons., : I. am ' content;' to^leave^m'y ofath-X*
er's safety- in yourihands-;— content.'" -s
She laid her arms about; his neck and i 1
Visconti' kissed the roses:^on the breaat ,':'
that crushed .themVagaln'et j -;hia K golden V
doublet, : and then her; upturned ; face"; -\u0084\u25a0}
Through . the ? open;window;came ' the :
distant sound .of: singing; ; come , ono ;'
singing in ' French," and h then ' a woman's
laugh. Graziosa drewherself away and .1
Visconti's face* darkened.*' :-^
"Please, heaven, 1 she -will not; annoy '
me long," be' muttered; .; : ' . . 1
: He ; took Graziosa's ; hand r in - silence
and stepped out. on to the terrace. : j•' i
: Seated on V the ; steps was \ D'Orleans,
playing with the red ribbons of .his lute,
, and standing ' among vthe cluster ' of /
ladies at \u25a0 the foot of 'them ; was " Valen- "• ;
tine ..Visconti.' "\u25a0 ' .'•'." .. .-. : . : ;
She looked very -brilliant- and • beautl- ; ;
; ful, and angry and' scornful;! her, laugh- r:
' ter was bitter, ;and ;the? veiled bright-. ;
ness of her r cyes not pleasant., ?'
. '--.The shade of Visconti's face deepened • !
as he looked%at \ her. ;; Compared -i to } his
sisteri'Grazlosawas a candle beside the'
' fcun ; the Contrast ; did hot please' Gla'n,* %/_ : .
D'Orleans rose and, bowed low; to ; the
ladyj" yet in 'a.' way , that was not re
spectful. .. : r
"So ; there has; been. a v challenge from
the enemy," he lisped. ;'!'Now, I shall:;
love; to see la -single meeting of brave ",
6 wor ds ' a gain."i n." ,-^^^B^S^^3M?^^i^^B
-I'iWho said so?" asked Visconti. He
came slowly down thestepfi;- his man-,
ncr had f; quite*; changed, 'and his eyes
were on his sister. aßßwjpjßßfe^ffia
"The Lady .Valentine," said, the
Frenchman. -"She—^—" !
"The ' Lady • Valentine.'!} ; interrupted '
the duke sternly,' iVliad^. best I remember.??
—what Ijnave-oftenrremembered;to her.''
:ad vantage— r that she Js * a "woman, \u25a0\u25a0 and i
these affairs are. none, of herß."'. .;.;.>.
And he gave -her: a - glance that made
her wince/ as always' did that- glance,
for all her boldness. :. l ' . Tv
Graziosa, her: hand held slightly,:, by.:
'•the 7 duke, , was following; him: down: the I
steps, her pages behind;; and * Visconti;''
kept his eyes. upon hlsisister. - ;.
: There; was a'? | meaning pause, and;
D'Orleans grew restless in ; the ; silence *.';
andvmoved' a^ay. ; • \u25a0''\u25a0. '.'v . " -"."""- "^
-Valentine : sent s after: him a • look ;,of 1
bitter; scorn, thenj walked .slowly; ;up'Uo?'
Graziosa ' and saluted : , her \u25a0;; humbly,':'
though; her eyes ".were i, burning brightly. «;
'Visconti \u25a0 watched" them" keenly,;" ahd! t
noticed " with t displeasure ' how| Crushed \u25a0\u25a0 \u25a0'
and silent '. Graziosa fshowedjbefore '.his^
\brilliant, sister ;'she ; shrahklinto":herself,k
as if ;" she divined stheTscorn*;. Valentine ;
concealed.*^and{could? scarce stammer ;a":
few;,words;of fgreetirigtin^reply. \u25a0,?.':.' / ':'\u25a0
L"I must back to "the^ palace," Graziosa," >
said /.Viscoriti, as they; reached the gar-.;;
denifand i his { eyes : roved joyer 'the crowd 's
of > attendants y f or ?„ Gianhotto's \u25a0 figure.^
"Remember thesesare .all l&V thy • com^
mands—and, • for; the present, r then fare- •
;—; — " " c^ s frlf T-^W^l^' s 7ooniWiwMVm
'\u25a0: To .'Valentine he said -.nothing, . but
; turneuV'awayj toward the: palace", with^
the secretary. rj^BSSSmPBBttBB
r^Graziosailooked, after, him,- a little'
pained ; I she ' had noticed , he was \u25a0 always",?
; different . whenT his \u25a0; sister^ was .then*.*.
Valentine, had. noticed-, it/rtoo, * anrl
; guessed \u25a0, the -cause, '{ and \u25a0 the? knowledge
gave' a' triumph'; to] her, beauty that made .
it dazzling;? indeed.^',.- -. .-. ..'".' "* ": \u25a0_• 'v.';v
"I ; fear. : 1 1 Interrupted your.i discourse k *?J;
she said: with : an6ther:curtseyr V: ": : -
. "Indeed Vno. :> lady,"/ replied ,' Graziosa; ->
{timidly. ;. "not »como" within^
;with?me from<thc(sun?" ,/; . : . :' ;
"Nay, •\u25a0".that w were : ,. too. much 'of ran i
honor," i sa.id [Valentine. ."Are you not
my brother's ' .wif e-^— and £ tho '
1 savior *6fJMUan?^ '?';'x~~j?::? ';'x~~j?:: 'S:. : ''\u25a0 -"i-." .'/. -" •;•'.''.
"I pray \u25a0 you,\ do / not j speak voC' it— l,
-i_l— — " •answered ~ Graziosa'j hurriedly.^
Valentino \u25a0 i|.\Ul/tftd.v:-."h'er;..7i |.\UI/tftd.v : -."h'er;..7 brows \u25a0•*•*: and \u25a0-;
. opened'-ihftrigray.feyesi wide. ;'"":;?
\u25a0v"Do^not *Bpeak>of ;it?; ;\Vhy, '.'itiß^aV
deeditohe proud'of^-even^yherißowoll
' rewarded,' lad y.V V' ,'., ' " : - _ - - -V " '' \u25a0 '
Graziosa : flushed launder if the = mock iin' :
her tone, and .' turned l - to; one'of : her
ladies. ',*-:;. '\u25a0':';'. ' ';\u25a0-\u25a0"'\u25a0 \u25a0:''[: ' s -V^- : '\u25a0.-'\u25a0::.': \u25a0 -t''^ 7
"We wi 11 J go ; * i n-^-alone— since ; . th'e '"\u25a0\u25a0
princess 'will/not come/'-sheVsaid.*"-;"
-Come and traJkj^Sthe"' garden, ma
dame," . said Valentine. "At least it
seems like; llberty-^-there will, be little;
enough: of that rwhen. you arc \u25a0duchess*;
of, Milan." :_: _ ' : ;
Graziosa,' looking: at; her with fright-*
ened " eyes, joined - her : meekly,\ having £
not the- spirit ;to^ refused; '•'/\u25a0\u25a0\u25a0'j \u25a0
"Now, , bid i your ladles : back a pace---;;?
at least Gian will allow % us ' that," ' and
Valentine motioned \u25a0 them ? away."; ,
, "What do} you 'mean?" .faltered; Gra
ziosa, with "a < pang: '\u25a0 of -something: v like ;
:envy; as she -'noticed the'grace and dig-
Valentine's^ bearing, f^and.l the^
superb .carriage S of ; her queenly '\u25a0 head^g||
\u25a0 Valentine, *- shrugged ,_\' : her.-; : white :;
"shoulders and; laughed 'bitterly. ;
v-"Many. things-^-among; them 1 this—g«t.-
yourself a'betterHirewoman "and^ you t
wi 11 ) keep >..Vi sconti "\u25a0\u25a0 lohge r— learn •a* 1 i t- '":•<
tie spirit and you; will: keep him' longer n
:• still.'': .' ;', •\u25a0•. \u25a0;.^:; ;.\u25a0';\u25a0 .',-.:; : \u25a0--.\u25a0''X: :
glanced down; at; her dress,
theHriche'r; of • the two.'lbut worn 'with ;
•' no! such] grace.'.:,/ ..;4;jC;;> ; -. : i; : - • '\u25a0&!'•. -~:K- ,
;' ,:w,!.Tis: no question : of ' my; dress, ': lady,"/*
• she: answered, 7 with* some. dignlty-~"nori:
of beauty^buti of* love 'alone." -
•*v Valentin© S lookedi^at#her .'curiously,
scornfully. %They; were jpassing between )-.
j roses f and 'lilies, the air
I was % h eav y ,w jth * seen t,' arid I from Ith et
- ladies following: i came - gentle > laughter.
. '\u25a0: "You '. think ? , he Moves i you?" .-j" asked
Valentine. \ :
">':; ( 7," know It," .• . answered , Orazlota,
;proudly:-fv'-.-v; proudly: -fv'-.-v .— \ :.. . : '\u25a0 '. *'\--. r -. \u25a0
.Valentino ;;smlled' arid looked J away. i ;
The smile and glanca atung Viacontl'a -
betrothed like^a whlpstroke.v:/ \u25a0 v
; :-"What do you | mean?",; she cried.* "You
insult^tne-fyouiinsult;hlmt^; , :;
: VDonyouv; know 'f. Gian- Visco'nti, vory
well ?" ' asked s his sister. ;."Have you ' seen %
•^him^ torturing- his prisbnersHwith^ the^
: slow^torture of the mind~wor»e ithanV
any- rack? , Have you^ seen him '* lying &
. and -betraying, stealing and "murder- /
::ing?^;:-:-; \u25a0:'\u25a0••-•/-;;.,\u25a0\u25a0:,.. : ; \u25a0,-;-. . <••;•\u25a0\u25a0 --;-:
.Graziosa Hooked at -her wildly; she.l
looked strangely'like. her brother could -
I look, r herivoicerwas f very like' his." .; ;
"You know how. his father; died?. How
his ; mother's ;' Heart iwas; broken V'
• "1 know you 'never: raised a hanS to
-' save theni— lJ knowtl love . him!" cried %
.; \u25a0•\u25a0 '. V ;;.'- : .\u25a0 ,-;..* '/;:>;\u25a0
J, "Doubtless.", , smiled Valentine ,- with
scorn: "But ldoes;he}love ;your;^Vhy/ he {
; Is so stained' with (crime i I, do not care
', to" touch' his \u25a0 hand.';" Would- such - a-manN
vlove^-you?"' : . . V: '^' •'•:*.;;"
L »'-•:'. '' Som e} tales' I_; have ; heard,,- but; now; I v
; know; them' false,", said Gr'azlosa.V white'
. and;, trembling.^ "And I will hear 'no''
more." : -v -,"",* : ;;: .\u25a0-..;'; \u25a0/'-.. - :
"She thinks he loves 'her!" murmured
Valtntine. > /"She thinks Gltn, ViscoUti -
"loveilher!", ' .'iV.-. '': \u25a0'\u25a0•. '\u25a0 \" ~.' : .'. .'\u25a0\u25a0'.:'- J\' : '
•\u25a0'- , Graslqsa was as - near ; hate •as -:was ' i
for,, her;; her.«h«art\ was; too 'full ','
,' tovjßL. reply,' she .called to her ladies and?
: turned i away.V; But -followed ;
' and' laid herhand oniher^ shoulder with ;
V
"Tell VGlan'' what iliv have .; said," ;she :
\u25a0whispered.';:' "lt/will be 'ah. office td v suit:
lyoui' traitress !",»and\tvith a '.smile^: she *
turned {away.'.- .'. V': -\u25a0' V : ; !
; G.aaiosa,; walked -slowly, toward -her
:\u25a0 tower ; i sofnehowj the \ garden had grown i"
'iditn;? the- sky was^hot "soibright/vtheV
\u25a0 sun" so \u25a0 brilliant; :'fshe"v,was , looking : at |
i them -through^ a >vellr of tears, unshed
-and, bitter. :^ '-.": . , \u25a0\u25a0:'\u25a0}_. , /
\u25a0 "TheiLady -Valentine \u25a0'-'\u25a0 is not a ;., -'gay /
rcbmpanionHqday,",, remarked one of her -'
f attendants,'^ looking 'at? her:
f^'NO'.'^said GraziosVdully^ Valentine's '
,words\were f rankling' in; her.^ heart;; all ;
\u25a0 \u0084 the past ' came I before [ hor.v all' the \u25a0- tales 3
:• she : had { heard tof f Vlscon t i.v all * her/ fa
;;'. ther's '\u25a0 tenderness,'!, the? old/t happy.; time^v
lWha.tr. If '1a, ".-, mistake ?.i*
/ What f'ifiViscontif still played withfher."\u25a0
and >he ';- was;vvynat\Valentine ; ;liad-* eaid?,
; The idea " was f too s awful,'" she . brushed X
:;it*back,'*she T w"ould-jnotibelleve. r .-..'.. : " ' .
She thought "of herj father Avlth'a*slid-
\u25a0: den ; yearning; | : she" had"! always ; turned [;
-to i him< in; her\littleytroubles ( *she^feltl?
:'i lineasy/abo'utf him : with aTsudrtfhT.wa ye "
(of ;,honiesickness.T-'Cah;' [ [forget? 1 ; * she';
cried,ln.her.heart.' "Can I. live this .l ife .
."and j forget?", ;. \u0084 ' r^TOWWHMMtBWg
Bu t: the "next .; moment she calmed'
herself. "; She" thought'ofiViscfliitl'j lean- ;s
'rlngioyer^hislcathedral.; of -his in .
s hers.i'ofjhls"earnestVvolce~a*nd;s "earnest Vvolce~a*nd; she^ had ;-
Ihisi word tfor/herj father's safety. '' ;jl '-''';
r Smiling !}6j he rself.*- she Amounted 5 the s'
i steps? to * gorgeous v dwelling, \ made ~
i:splpndid^by;Ansconti'silove. T % ; :;
"MyJ \ father l : f a Wef shall ". be v happy^.to-i
\u25a0) gethef 'again': yet"" * And laughcd>
and ' kissed'jthe .- roses i Gian "< had 1 kissed.SV
and 1 the r :sunf seemed' brightyagainr::/
v But^AgnolbLyistarhinlJlayilnUheilitT^
\u25a0;; tie 'chapel f of [Saritaf Mar iaf Nuo ya,l near 1
'Jtojthe\westerh|gateawith>tapersjburn-^:
"ingrat'hisihead andjfeet, c fahd flvefsword';*
\u25a0 thrusts Uhrough hisjheart: ."\u25a0" :" v ;
;-" ''\u25a0 \ ' CHAPTER TVVEXTY-SIX • '.: '..-;
In Vl«coßtrß; Hands
V /ALENTINE;VisCONTI "was pray. ='
\ 7 \u25a0" ing?, in i the ' Church i of San'.^Apolf ;S
r'A/ x - linarc;. It "stood i some way * from -;
j^aKthefVlsconti palace, s a;magnificent ' :
\u25a0 building.: rich^ with; the dulcet gjf tSjHH.
every church In Milan; from the palace;
to the hut, all showed some sign of re
joicing."-v The i duke "< had ordered public
processions and thanksgiving, and none
dared: disobey. ' /- ' ;S>- ; V Hs.
<*;His Holiness Pope ijpbnif ace had de- .
'serted;',the ... falling > cause j^T- Verona;
there was nothing to be^ feared; and lit-,
tle'to bargained 'fronv< i Ma.stlno:tdella
Scala.; the duke "of iMilan'»had'J6ffered
his. aid "against/ the i rebelliouaY Floren
tines, and I many^ bribes ;? bbsicles, Y and
today had seen the new league between
the = powerful : .tyrant \u25a0 of Lombardy and
his holiness publicly, ratified.
7. From JRome " Visconti •>: had nothing
more to fear, Mastino nothing more to
hope. \u25a0;.<;\u25a0'•\u25a0. r ; ;-'.\u25a0\u25a0 \u25a0\u25a0\u25a0\u25a0'. •'\u25a0\u25a0-. . '\u25a0\u25a0\u25a0\u25a0 '
'' :The ; country around i Padua was Vis
contl's'] too; Cologna, \u25a0 which he :had:al^'
ways held, [the great seaport of Chiog^ '.
gia, Mestre and Lovlgo, betrayed" by.
Carrara.- , : v . "
;•-\u25a0' Bassano = had fallen, and now Regglo;
there r was cause ' f or, : thanksgiving in
Milan. !,;;•,-,-•' '-/-\u25a0'^v V : ,t/ .
A As a last triumph, Valentine had been
sent' to- offer, up^ prayers.. and.^ gifts for
her brothers success. : She was guarded
on\ her lerrand.V practically a , prisoner.
: Soldiers \u25a0 stood at ; every ..; door*.' of . the
.church.Vand^av mounted /escort waited .
without toiebnduet her back. She was
on her knees before the blazing, altar,
. her head low; over heri missal. \u25a0 but ' she .
was : not ; offering , thanks to : heaven for
Gian's victories. \u25a0 ?
;• She thought 'of Graziosa with angry
hate.i But for that girl, Delia Scala
had' been in Milan, and Count Conrad
with ' him— and : : In .-> reward for v
treachery Graziosa was to queen It over
her! : delighted* to flaunt her
with her. at every turn. \u25a0
'\u0084 That, morning: Visconti had told her
.the. war /was drawing, to a close — said it"
iwlth (much \ meaning,- and promised her,\
smiling, . Count Conrad's head as a . wed
ding;gift, v; He* badlbeen^closeted long'
with Giannotto; strangely elated he had
seemed,":' and :.'; Valentine - " shudderingly
.wondered what was in the air.
Pi That j there } was ; something ] she knew
iitullKwoll; -Viaconti wa3 hatching ' some
\u25a0stroke ; (that /-would complete . Delia
\u25a0 Scala' s - ruin. ' Forj some . days . she had
seen his purpose in his face, and today
; the ''alliance: with; the; pope conflrmejlJt..
TA She did. not care, she was too
\u25a0^crushed.with * her 'own : failures ;to I care •
j'muchlf f 0r,4 the -'failure "of another.. ,;She»
\u25a0 felt fsorry? for «lsotta?d'Este, and bitter
toward Count: Conrad. r
>:^ "But iwere <; I ; either^ of them, ' Prince
.Mastino for' v Courif Conrad," she thought
In hot anger/.!1 would not live to grace
• yisconti'B triumph." ? 'j . .*;
i -.>The^sound >,of rbells penetrated .even
lnto the hushed "interior, of t the church."
As the service ended and Valentine rose
to her,; feetrt she heard: them iburst. into
\ wild y music ; : '' the :; dim,~ T . Incensed > airi
seemed" troubled '-, by^ -their . triumphant 1
throb, the gold tapestry Ho shake: with
it. .i- /'\u25a0\u25a0 :: - ' -\u25a0 - \u25a0'<\u25a0';\u25a0' :' \u25a0-:••: ;-i ; .>
: ; '.'ls.lt another, victory?"- murmured
t Valentine... ( The :' church -" had emptied,
she was'alorie' in ] it, save : for. two ladies
kneeling- motionless. ;^" v • \u25a0\u25a0-:"
OTThemonksjsweptout, with a swing-.
' Ingjof ; Incense Tand a low/chanting. One
/only./.'iremalhed,".'. putting out* candles
\u25a0 about '.thelaltar.-/,;;'. • \u25a0\u25a0'"• . ' . .- ;
:'•/.{• Valentine :'\u25a0« closed her. missal \u25a0 ;. and
turnedito, leave;: -."j'fhe-'sun .was-stream
ing the : gold ; and; opal , window; In^a
fdazzling!shaft of , light, it^feli: over! her
; face'and, blinded her for a second. : The
griext.Tshellookedlround jto;see thefsoll
tary. monk ; behind? her: ;^His ,' head "was'
1 hidden I In ', his i ; co wl, *^hls * arms . : f olded,' : he
passed her, without Hooking up.'
>*"J'Couht *isi in i Milan." he \u25a0 said. ,
",under,r>hls7"bv^ath,^*and >. "silently .and
'swiftly, he\w*Ss'gone.
Valentine, i hardly * believing she had
heard -aright, ;; Razed Rafter , him 1 wildly,"
f: collectirigWhefself, walked "down
the T:alsle; 4 her,;bfairi^dn \u25a0 flre^; ly' J. \u25a0;V-:T.;'-ladles]roserin\wa; V- T.;'- :
ladles]roserin\wal ting, and under,
r no excuse could ' she^ prolong : her. stay." '
! '\u25a0: "Count^ConradMsiin'Milan!" r ,, ".-,
j that \ he^wouldi rescue!
..herr yet— was ! it" Conrad himself * who
- spoke?.;" • ' :': ' " L-^3^9SttffiQHttMBBBBQ
r thought was grateful to her sore,
f angry,; heart.' j She had riot' much con
|fldence in ; • Count? Conrad's skill norj his'
\u25a0 chances "of ssuccess-^-stUl,, he > was ;In
; Milan,}; he cared ''enough to^hav'e- risked
that."' -"and : she could ;.v/ait. 7 \'y /
;:"\u25a0 "After 1- the, "dim 'church, the »ur> was
r : bllndingr,the";crashXofithe\bellsrdeafen-j
': ing. '^ Valentine: mounted :her,horse',wlth^
- a: throbbing! heart: ithat^whlsper- in the
fchurch?hadi glyenJhe'rjnewjlifeJ ~ "...
.:Tlie>" soldiers \u25a0 formed [up "either side,
s ? behind I and lit? would s not have
L'beenfpbsslblel for; hereto (drop' even her,
''glove?; unnoticed."^ vjShe iwas^ridihg ,the
'streets 'oflMilariYasiher/ brother's *tro-'
; phy,"_ as his prisoner;" every .one of tho3e^
'who ? bowed : i soj humbly^* to r, her^ as she"
i passed* everyj peasant' her. guards :thrust:
' back! f roni ;her, path,* was ' f reer! than sh'eT
. SanVTAjpol I ' na^ c l wflL ? '* r^; ttomt T _ om the
i palace^ and; for* that^ reason iyiscontl had"
lchqseh]it;ifAirMilari;6houldlsee > ther,Trlde'
I toToffe'rl thanksgiving |forlhls |y Ictories7;
'4^ "Surely f there;' Is:j mqf e '-; good _ news,"
i said |Costanza, fas ff they [ c crossed •;\u25a0 the
bridge J that- spanned lthe . canal ; ""the air,
|iaf-full^of*rejoicing,iand I have seen
fmanylmessengers^spurjpast. 1 *
Marjorie
Bowen
'v.Valentino , set; her teeth; and < looked
between the spears^of her escort at the
bright: blue'^ water "beneath^ them.-.- -.'All
thecraft.that covered. Us surface were
?ay with' flags. Its depth reflected build
ings^ hung with the banners of the
Viper. „\u25a0\u25a0-•:.'\u25a0'. " . -v.^ \:. ""„.-• ...
- "It 'fllls.the very air we breathe."
shuddered • Valentine,', ..the- shadow of
theiViper.'V " Ht.^ "-'\u25a0'\u25a0'.- \u25a0-'>\u25a0 -fr. ; '
p' Costanza'glanced^at :her.
I"I must confess," replied. "I
should be proud an if were my bearlnsr.
To be a Visconti on such a: day: as this",
would^-please'me.well: and though I am
your friend, madam. I, must .say it." ;
.VAs do all the others." said Valentine,
bitterly. '.'You are blinded by splendor
and powejr— you see no deeper than the
skin!'' *"
! ' VMaybe/V said the other lightly. ."Yet
am I glad the duke hath triumphed, and
not Mastino "Delia Scala, who is as
sullen as. a peasant, and a foe to all
display." BQQRBfipG^
"And his wife?" asked Valentine in
a low tone. -""Have you no thought for
her?".
Coskanza shrugged her shoulders.
VMethlnks I have done much to show
I have! ' But she is a prisoner, of war,
and. must take, her chances like" an
other. Were it the; Visconti's wife in
such'a caser-she, would not be.a^pris
oner. long! ; 'Let^Mastlno Delia Scala
tear her , away : from ; his foe himself—
let "him do as Visconti "did when the
Lady Graziosa was in . danger."
. "Hold thy. tongue," returned Valen
tine; angrily. "You talk 'as a child — •
you know not what you say."
"I only know this," retorted the
other. "I would I were Lady
Graziosa," and she looked defiantly at
Visconti's sister. ; ; /
, "For - shame, Costanza.'' said Valen
tine. : "Remember.; yourself." -
Tney rode in silence till, at the turn
of the street; another splendid caval
cade "; crossed -. theirs. It was: the Lady
Graziosa and her -suite. Tiaio Visconti
and : D'Orleans were in atendance: she
rode" a white palfrey.
' The sun lay tenderly In hersoft hair;
her- green dress was covered with
pearls and round her throat she wore
the emeralds Visconti ' had promised his
sister, the ; first jewels In Italy, robbed
from Delia Scala. '" « -.
Valentine .noticed, them, she noticed
Graziosa's happy face, the joy she took
in " the homage paid her, in Visconti's
success that so galled ; her, Visconti's
sister, and a sudden purpose rose In her
eyes. ; - :
She smiled sweetly on Graziosa and
rode .up to D'Orleans; • the Frenchman
remarked with' pleasure how she out
shone the: duke's .^betrothed. 'The deep
blue of. her.-.velvet: robe made her skin
appear " of . dazzling , fairness; her hair
was like burnished gold, her mouth like
a. red 'flower, but her .-eyes," "for all her
smile, : as dangerous as Gian Maria's
could be as mad, almost as wicked.
.": >"We are well met, my lord." she said,
smiling. "'\u25a0; "Have there been even
greater victories?"
, "I know not, lady; they say some
thing of Lucca having - fallen," re
turned D'Orleans..- "I have been escort
ing the Lady Graziosa to view the new
church— by ; .the "duke's orders." " He
added, in a lower tone, "Could I have
chosen my companion, it had not been
she."
Valentine listened _ with downcast
eyes, playing with • the rubies at her
wrist. Her escort was grouped about
her, and Constanza glanced aside, at
her curling, Up' with some mistrust."
•"The > Lady- Graziosa "is happier and
fair today," she whispered to her com
panion," and Valentine overheard and
smiled "the more. }
'"And 'my ; brother, the duke?" she
asked.
"I have not seen the. duke all day.**
replied' the" Frenchman. '.There- is talk
of an embassy to the enemy— confusion
and crowds——'! '
"You have < been ; riding Milan to see
the rejolcingsT, Interrupted Valentine,
; and she '"• raised, her eyes to .Graziosa
onee — the glance was not pleasant—
then she fell to playing with her brace
let again. ;
"Yes," said Graziosa innocently, "My
lord bade me ride to the new church."
\u25a0 She. was very happy and affection
welled: up In her tender* heart, even for
; the t, woman ,who had: used, her so
cruelly— for she was Gian's sister.
r-With : a timid: gesture 'she held out
her. little hand to Valentlne.-f|g||gggjS
\u25a0"v; "Will \ you not ride back beside me?"
she asked, pleadingly. >
' / - But Valentine ignored her • hand and
her request.
.' "Have you visited any other churches
in your ride?'* she. asked.
"What .other, church .'. in Milan should
-; interest '* the " . Lady Graziosa?" ; asked
D'Orleans -wearily,- fearing to be sent
back on some distasteful Journey.
*. \u25a0'\u25a0 "I did not know— -I thought there
.might be'one^ — Santa Maria, close to the
western gate." '
"And Valentine looked' straight at
Graziosa, who paled beneath her tone.
} ""How should that interest me?" she
'faltered." >
' • Constanza put . her hand on Valen
tine's sIeeveJ^SHQSPHRBHB*!
•Z 'A'Have a . oare." she whispered. . "Not
before thezn ; all, madam, for pity's
sakel"
But the Visconti's sister took no heed;
: she gathered ' up" her reins - and signed
Uo her; ; escort to move" on. .
_ v "Of course," she! said," i'why. should ; lt
interest thee? -There is nothing _there—
* it) is only, a small, mean church,' where
\u25a0aVpoor, obscure traitor. lies on his bier."
v She -looked around _the ' startled T faces
.with a ' bitter scorri on her own.';' "Who
has; heard of ihin^-^ne Agnolo Vis-
Harnlni— killed by the duke's - orders,
\u25a0skilled by, thy lover's orders. In the very
-hour that- ye betrayed him to him, Graz
iosa'.Vistarnini!" _:. ;
' She.f lung the words at her as if, they
had been, knives,, and If,. they had been
.they, could not- have been more;deadlj*.
YWithout ;a : word, ; her.s hand '- catching : at
;. her.f :throat,l: throat, l " Graziosa sank from \u25a0, her
horse,': the" scene in an instant one of
confusion. '
"Dleu ! "\ what have you done!" cried
iD'Orleans." springing from the. saddle
and raising". Graziosa. "Who- will an
•swerj:for this?"
"She; will riottdie'of It." rsaldVValen
'< tine,*- scornfully/:.; "She will take care to
live—^to he* the duchess : of ' Milan."
"Oh," shame ! ; shame !" "cried Costanza,
and several; echoed the cry.
\ . " ".',' 'Twas .1 no" gentle act: ' said \ D'Or
":leans,: lifting \ Graziosa... "and ' heavens
save you now, : princess!" /
' our lfeads ; may : have to pay for
it," ; grumbled the* officer' who led.Graz
* iosa's ?~escort.'; \ "Men, 7 see * the princess
; does 'hot escapc^'or'iaerc will no one
\u25a0 of tis'livo to; save ourselves." r
"Shame ! 'shame:" said' the, duke again.
as Graziosa, white ." as^ death." was * laid
in a litter. ; ; 'Tou; have done «a mad
'thlhg!V : 'Arid;the whole 1 fluttering caval
. cade whirled "in startled ; confusion to
' ward! the ;palace.^
V'l Valentine l ; looked v after- them, and
\u25a0there" was' no; remorse in her face."
;*,'You must to^, the duke for
i this, madam," said "the officer, "and
at; once." ' - . .
I She - turned her; horse slowly :\u25a0 and ; at
: a" quiet . pace ' rode * toward _' the ; Viseonti
> palace.' t: 1 . Costanza V. began;, to '.weep.
I' "Nothing [\u25a0' can^ save \u25a0]- you - now;* T mis-
Ytress."; Why didiyou^do.lt?. Oh.\why?~
\u25a0 " "Count Conrad -is .n Milan !" . ; waa t,Val
l.'entlne's answer"to*herself:;and;to]Cos
* tanza'she sald.^coldly:;'"Do nbtfearfor
m«. I am too*rvaluable to" be meddled
with.-, Even *. Visconti. would not.dar*
totslay his sister before the French
man's " eyes."
"^They entered the courtyard In si
lence, the soldiers forming up eloao
around. her. The cavalcade had ridden
slowly, and there was no trace of Graz
iosa'a arrival. The palace seemed quiet.'
« alentlne dismounted as usual, and was
mounting. the entrance steps when Do
Lana advanced.
J'l S 4V( a painful luty to discharge,
princess/; he said. "You are my pris
oner."
Valentine went white; she had not
expected this so swiftly. .
"The Lady Graziosa is in danger of
her life,", continued De Lana. \u25a0
*"Tls no fault of mine." said Valen
tine. "What do you want with me?**
Costanza clung to her, weeplngf
loudly.
, "Have done?*! said the, soldier, stern
ly. "Follow behind your lady. You
will follow me, princess."
'.'Seeing I cannot help It," retorted
Valentine, with flaming cheeks. • "Wherw
is . my brother? Whero is the duka
D'Orleans?" She .looked around' once;
from somewhere there stepped forward
two : of De Lana's men and took their
places at her side. She moved. up the
stair, Costanza with her, weeping with
fear. . n
The corridors were /empty save for
the soldiers at their posts. De Lana
opened the . door of the duke' 3 apart
ments aad stood aside for her to enter,
but Valentine shrank back.
M Tis the duke's orders." said D«
Lana, and he moved Costanza back.
"You will enter alone."
Then Valentine summoned up her
courage, and when she had passed th«
door. De Lana followed and stood be
side it.
Visconti was at the table, behind
him Giannotto. and at her entrance ha
raised such a white, distorted face of
fury that Valentine quailed and sank
bank against the wall.
• ,"Ah!".sa!d Visconti. "I have It in my
mind to kill you, my sister. X have it
in my mind to give myself that pleas
ure — to kill you."
He rose as he spoke, and Giannotto
drew farther away from him. glancinsr
at Valentine with a white amazement;
the duke bordering on frenzy.
"Oh," cried Visconti again, "so you
have no more wits than Tlslo; you
think, because it suited me that you
should wed with D'Orleans. that you
are free to flout me at your will!"
"Now be silent!" breathed De Lana
to Valentine, who leaned against tho
wall beside him.
\u25a0 "You!" said Visconti, stopping before
her. "You! — to meddle with me— let me
lift my finger and I" can bring you
lower, than any slave in Milan!"
"Silence!" breathed De Lana a^ain.
But Valentine- had too much of her
brother's own spirit. The madness of
the Visconti rose into her eyes; she
straightened herself and moved forward
defiantly.
"Aye, or you can kill me," she said.
"as you have the others; but you can
not make me humble before your wlfa
out of tho streets."
Vlaconti stood stock still, and Gian
notto, glancing at De Lana, wondered
If she were to be murdered before their
eyes. CP&
Under the look in her brother's faca
.Valentine stepped back again and hud
died herself against the wall; she saw
Visconti draw his dagger — and she hid
her. eyes — but motionless and withont a>
sound.
-"I have had enough' of you," said
Visconti, and strode down upon her Jn
a white madness of fury, forgetful of all
else." "I will clear you from my path
yes, as I did the others." Then he looked
at De Lana, and something in the sol
dier's face told him he would have to
kill him first.
"And as I will any who oppose me.**
he cried, furiously. "Am I not the duke
of Milan? Take thy hand from thy
sword. Do Lana. Now we will settle
scores, Valentine." His hand was lifted.
Giannotto turned his face away, and
De Lana had thrown himself forward,
when a light knock on the door clot»?
by broke the moment's silence, and
Visconti's hand sank to his side.
"Open!" he cried. "It is the messen
ger from tho Lady Graziosa." jtnd De
Lana, eagerly seizing the interruption,
flung wide the door.-
Visconti looked up and met Valen
tine's eyes, and she knew how near sha
was to death.
'"My lord." said . De Lana. returning
"the Lady Graziosa hath recovered
there Is no fear for her life, my lord."
"Ah!" Visconti returned his dagger
to its • sheath, and Giannotto gave a
gasp of relief.lSSHl
"Take my sister to her apartments.
De Lana, and guard her well there—
and if any ask for her. say she is" un
der my displeasure — "
The captain turned, glad to take her
from the room alive.
"Will you v see the messenger, mj
lord?"
"No." said .Visconti. fiercely. "As lons
as she lives; what care I for the mes
senger?"
The soldier seized Valentine's - wrist
and forced her, still reluctant, from tho
room. . She was ; conquered, not sub
dued.-
"If Graziosa dies." said Visconti.
turning to Giannotto. "she does not Uya
-either. You have : heard me say it^—
\u25a0She and her, woman's venom!" ho con
tinued, pacing the room furiously. "I,
; should have swept her away sooner— l
; would now; but for tHe French, and the
-. French shall . not save her tho next
time/ He Js a fool. * Giannotto, who
thinks that because a woman is a pris
oner,: she is powerless— let him remem
ber her tongue."
, "My lord, she may* have thought thY
lady knew." faltered Giannotto.
, "Silence !"- cried Visconti "She may
have ; thought , I wanted to giro Isotta
d'Esta her liberty! Ah, let her bewaret
Graziosa/ too; why did she not tell her
that she lied? Had I not said he lived?
Has she no spirit— no dignity — to
shame me by her silence and her
moans T** \ t
, . The secretary ventured on no reply.
He fumbled with the parchments on tho
table rand drew one forward. Vlscon
. tl's' glance fell on it, and. hla \u25a0 rage
calmed instantly; his eyes Cashed with
a changed expression.;
.These are the terras we sent to Delia
Scala?*' he asked with a sudden smile, \u25a0" .
"Yes, my lord ; : terms I think ?, that
cannot fall."
" The duke sat silent a. while, and Via
* smile deepened ;to a laush.
.'"I disturb myself for a woman's
quarrel?." he said, at last, "anil am on
the eve of winning Lombardy r*/V
"The Kates -may," already have de
tached themselves from Delia Scala. tas
\u25a0\u25a0. lord." ' said the" secretary.
"We will hope '; not They will cllns
to. the losing cause, and Maatlno della
Scala,* the stainless knight, himself shall
i. betrays them r* smiled Viaconti. rwlth
such- cruel ''wickedness that Giannotto
-shrank." V .':-.
:-\ "You .stand: so strong after. your \u25bclc- ;
"tories.-my.'lord,". he-said.' "you might
- well T cruahthem all by 'force.'*," -
"Only* I^ do not choose that waiy of
doing it." replied the duke, still smiling.'
,'"I will accomplish a bloodless;victory
" Twill spend no treasure, no time and no
' m*n; on .this but .l^wHl-: win
: from; It: not alone Della Scala* 3 towns,
but hi« honor 'and fame."
bSIEB (To Be Continued./