And thus, being turned from anger, the
balance of her mind was quick to adjust itself, and she bethought her
that perhaps there was reason in what this knight advanced, and that his
reception had lacked the courtesy that was his due. In a moment, with
incomparable grace and skill, she had soothed Gonzaga's ruffled vanity,
and appeased the Count's more sturdy resentment.
"And now, Messer Francesco," she concluded, "let us be friends, and let
me hear your business. I beg that you will sit."
They had passed into the banqueting-hall--a noble apartment, whose walls
were frescoed with hunting and pastoral scenes, one or two of which were
the work of Pisaniello. There were, too, some stray trophies of the
chase, and, here and there, a suit of costly armour that caught the
sunlight pouring through the tall, mullioned windows. At the far end
stood a richly carved screen of cedar, and above this appeared the
twisted railing of the minstrels' gallery. In a tall armchair of
untanned leather, at the head of the capacious board, Monna Valentina
sat herself, Gonzaga taking his stand at her elbow, and Francesco
fronting her, leaning lightly against the table.
"The news I bear you, lady, is soon told," said the Count. "I would its
quality were better. Your suitor Gian Maria returning to Guidobaldo's
court, eager for the nuptials that were promised him, has learnt of your
flight to Roccaleone and is raising--indeed will have raised by now--an
army to invest and reduce your fortress.
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