About his
neck hung a gold chain, bearing an Agnus Dei, which contained a relic of
the True Cross--for Gian Maria pushed his devoutness to great lengths.
His welcome of Francesco was more effusive than its wont. He bade the
two servants who attended him to lay a plate for his illustrious cousin,
and when Aquila shortly yet courteously declined, with the assurance that
he had dined already, the Duke insisted that, at least, he should drink a
Cup of Malvasia. When out of a vessel of beaten gold they had filled a
goblet for the Count, his Highness bade the servants go, and relaxed--if,
indeed, so much may be said of one who never knew much dignity--before
his visitor.
"I hear," said Aquila, when the first compliments were spent, "strange
stories of a conspiracy in your Duchy, and on the walls at the Gate of
San Bacolo I beheld four heads, of men whom I have known and honoured."
"And who dishonoured themselves ere their heads were made a banquet for
the crows. There, Francesco!" He shuddered, and crossed himself. "It
is unlucky to speak of the dead at table."
"Let us speak, then, of their offence alone," persisted Francesco subtly.
"In what did it lie?
"In what?" returned the Duke amusedly. His voice was thin and inclining
to shrillness. "It is more than I can say. Masuccio knew. But the dog
would not disclose his secret nor the names of the conspirators until his
task should be accomplished and he had taken them at the treason he knew
they had gathered to ripen.
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