"
"Why, that I do," answered Francesco gently. "Indeed, could I have seen
the consequences that oath would have for you, I had not bound you by
it."
The fear in Peppe's face gave place to unbelief.
"And you forgive me, lord?" he cried. "I dreaded when you entered that
you were come to punish me for what wrong I may have done you in
speaking. But if you forgive me, it may be that Heaven will forgive me
also, and that I may not be damned. And that were a thousand pities, for
what, my lord, should I do in hell?"
"Deride the agonies of Gian Maria," answered Francesco, with a laugh.
"It were almost worth burning for," mused Peppe, putting forth a hand,
whose lacerated, swollen wrist bore evidence to the torture he had
suffered. At sight of it the Count made an exclamation of angry horror,
and hastened to inquire into the poor fool's condition.
"It is not so bad now," Peppe answered him, "and it is only in
consequence of Messer Valdicampo's insistence that I have kept my bed. I
can scarce use my arms, it is true, but they are improving. To-morrow I
shall be up, and I hope to set out for Urbino, where my dear mistress
must be distressed with fears for my absence, for she is a very kind and
tenderhearted lady."
This resolve of Peppe's prompted the Count to offer to conduct him to
Urbino on the morrow, since he, himself, would be journeying that way--an
offer which the fool accepted without hesitation and with lively
gratitude.
CHAPTER XII
THE FOOL'S INQUISITIVENESS
In the morning Francesco set out once more, accompanied by his servants,
Fanfulla, and the fool.
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