The Kyrie was being uttered when
the attention of the congregation was attracted by the sound of steps
approaching the chapel door to the accompaniment of an ominous clank of
steel. The men rose in a body, fearing treachery, and cursing--despite
the sanctity of the place--the circumstance that they were without
weapons.
Then the door opened, and down the steps rang the armed heels of the new-
comers, so that every eye was turned upon them, including that of Fra
Domenico, who had pronounced the last "Christe eleison" in a quavering
voice.
A gasp of relief, followed by an angry cry from Valentina, went up when
they recognised those that came. First stepped the Count of Aquila in
full armour, sword at side and dagger on hip, carrying his head-piece on
the crook of his left arm. Behind him towered the bulk of Fortemani, his
great face flushed with a strange excitement, a leather hacketon over his
steel cuirass, girt, too, with sword and dagger, and carrying his shining
morion in his hand. Last came Lanciotto and Zaccaria, both fully
equipped and armed at all points.
"Who are you that come thus accoutred into God's House to interrupt the
holy Mass?" cried the bass voice of the friar.
"Patience, good father," answered Francesco calmly, "The occasion is our
justification."
"What does this mean, Fortemani?" demanded Valentina imperiously, her
eyes angrily set upon her captain, utterly ignoring the Count. "Do you
betray me too?"
"It means, Madonna," answered the giant bluntly, "that your lap-dog,
Messer Gonzaga, is at this very moment admitting Gian Maria and his
forces to Roccaleone, by the postern.
Pages:
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311
312
313
314
315
316