He was still at his tale when a page came with the message that Monna
Valentina besought Messer Francesco's presence in the great hall. He
dressed in all haste, and then, with Lanciotto at his heels, he descended
to answer her summons. As he crossed the second courtyard he beheld
Valentina's ladies grouped upon the chapel-steps in excited discussion of
this happening with Fra Domenico, who, in full canonicals, was waiting to
say the morning's Mass. He gave them a courteous "Good morrow," and
passed on to the banqueting-hall, leaving Lanciotto without.
Here he found Valentina in conference with Fortemani. She was pacing the
great room as she talked; but, beyond that, there was no sign of
excitement in her bearing, and if any fear of the issue touched her heart
now that the moment for action was at hand, it was wondrously well-
suppressed. At sight of Francesco, a look that was partly dismay and
partly pleasure lighted her face. She greeted him with such a smile as
she would bestow in that hour upon none but a trusted friend. Then, with
a look of regret:
"I am beyond measure grieved, sir, that you should thus stand committed
to my fortunes. They will have told you that already we are besieged,
and so you will see how your fate is now bound up with ours. For I fear
me there is no road hence for you until Gian Maria raises this siege.
The choice of going or remaining is no longer mine. We must remain, and
fight this battle out."
"At least, lady," he answered readily, gaily almost, "I cannot share your
regrets for me.
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