"
"Have I not, indeed? See you no link between your offence and your
presence near Sant' Angelo on that day?"
"If I am to apprehend that you have had me brought here with this
indignity to set me riddles for your amusement, I am enlightened and yet
amazed. I am no court buffoon."
"Words, words," snapped the Duke. "Do not think to beguile me with
them." With a short laugh he turned from Francesco to those upon the
dais. "You will be marvelling, sirs, and you, my lady mother, upon what
grounds I have had this traitor seized. You shall learn. On the night
of the Tuesday before Easter seven traitors met at Sant' Angelo to plot
my overthrow. Of those, the heads of four may be seen on the walls of
Babbiano now; the other three made off, but there stands one of them--the
one that was to have occupied this throne after they had unseated me."
The eyes of all were now upon the young Count, whilst his own glance
strayed to the face of Lodi, on which there was written a consternation
so great that it must have betrayed him had the Duke but chanced to look
his way. A pause ensued which none present dared to break. Gian Maria
seemed to await an answer from Francesco; but Francesco stood impassively
regarding him, and made no sign that he would speak. At length, unable
longer to endure the silence:
"E dunque?" cried the Duke. "Have you no answer?"
"I would submit," returned Francesco, "that I have heard no question. I
heard a wild statement, extravagant and mad, the accusation of one
demented, a charge of which no proofs can be forthcoming, else I take it
you had not withheld them.
Pages:
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136