A moment the gallant stood staring. Then he turned a face of
consternation on the Dukes. His knees shook visibly.
"It is locked," he announced, in a husky voice.
"We made too much noise in entering," suggested Guidobaldo, "and they
have taken the alarm."
The explanation relieved the growing uneasiness in Gian Maria's mind. He
turned with an oath to his men.
"Here, some of you," his sharp voice commanded. "Beat me down this door.
By the Host! Do the fools think to keep me out so easily?"
The door was broken down, and they advanced. But only some half-dozen
paces, for at the end of that short gallery they found the second door
barring their progress. Through this, too, they broke, Gian Maria
fiercely blaspheming at the delay. Yet when it was done he was none so
eager to lead the way.
In the second courtyard he deemed it extremely probable that they should
find Valentina's soldiers awaiting them. So bidding his men pass on, he
remained behind with Guidobaldo until he heard word that the inner court
was likewise empty.
And now the entire hundred of his followers were assembled there to
overpower the twenty that served Monna Valentina; and Guidobaldo--despite
Gian Maria's scruples--strode coolly forward to the chapel door.
* * * * * * *
Within the chapel Mass had started. Fra Domenico at the foot of the
altar had pattered through the Confiteor, his deep voice responded to by
the soprano of the ministering page.
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