At worst, we
have but anticipated by a little what the Duke must have learnt from
other sources."
"But it is just that little--the few hours or days--that will do the
mischief," snapped the jester testily, for all that he lowered his voice.
"In a few days Gian Maria will be back. If he were met with the news
that the Lady Valentina were missing, that she had run away with Romeo
Gonzaga--for that, you'll see, will presently be the tale--do you think
he would linger here, or further care to pursue his wooing? Not he.
These alliances that are for State purposes alone, in which the heart
plays no part, demand, at least, that on the lady's side there shall be a
record unblemished by the breath of scandal. His Highness would have
returned him home, and Madonna would have been rid of him."
"But at a strange price, Peppe," answered Franeesco gravely. "Still," he
added, "I agree that I would have served her purpose better by keeping
silent. But that such an affair will cool the ardour of my cousin I do
not think. You are wrong in placing this among the alliances in which
the heart has no part. On my cousin's side--if all they say be true--the
heart plays a very considerable part indeed. But, for the rest--what
harm have we done?"
"Time will show," said the hunchback.
"It will show, then, that I have done no hurt whatever to her interests.
By now she is safe in Roccaleone. What, then, can befall her?
Guidobaldo, no doubt, will repair to her, and across the moat he will
entreat her to be a dutiful niece and to return.
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