"
"Aye, if they had them," put in Gonzaga sourly; "but having no more than
one apiece, they'll not care to spare it."
"Nay, there you wrong them," cried Fortemani, with heat. "Give them a
leader strong enough to hold them, to encourage and subject them, and
they will go anywhere at his bidding."
"And there," put in Gonzaga quickly, "you bring us back to the main
issue. Such a leader you have shown us that you are not. You have done
worse. You have been insubordinate when you should not only have been
orderly, but have enforced orderliness in others. And for that, by my
lights, you should be hanged. Waste no more time on him, Madonna," he
concluded, turning to Valentina. "Let the example be made."
"But, Madonna----" began Fortemani, paling under the tan of his rugged
countenance.
Gonzaga silenced him.
"Your words are vain. You have been insubordinate, and for
insubordination there is but one penalty."
The bully hung his head, deeming himself lost, and lacking the wit to
retort as Francesco unexpectedly retorted for him.
"Madonna, there your adviser is at fault. The charge against the man is
wrong. There has been no insubordination."
"How?" she questioned, turning to the Count. "None, say you?"
"A Solomon is arisen," sneered Gonzaga. Then peevishly; "Waste not words
with him, Madonna," he pursued. "Our business is with Fortemani."
"But stay, my good Gonzaga. He may be right."
"Your heart is over-tender," answered Romeo impatiently.
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