ply she
accounted the fervour of those lines assumed, for when on the morrow she
met me, she did no more than gently chide me for the deceit that I had
had a hand in practising upon her. She accepted my explanation that my
share in that affair had been wrung from me with threats of torture, and
putting it from her mind she returned to the matter of the approaching
alliance she sought to elude, renewing her prayers that I should aid
her.

"I have," she told me then, "one other friend who might assist us, and
who has the power perhaps if he but has the will. He is the Governor of
Cesena, and for all that he holds service under Cesare Borgia, yet
he seems much devoted to me, and I do not doubt that to further my
interests he would even consent to pit his wits against those of the
family he serves."

"In which case, Madonna," answered I, spurred to it, perhaps, by an
insensate pang of jealousy at the thought that there should be another
beside myself to have her confidence, "he would be a traitor. And it
is ever an ill thing to trust a traitor. Who once betrays may betray
again."

That she manifested no resentment, but, on the contrary, readily agreed
with me, showed me how idle had been that jealousy of mine, and made me
ashamed of it.

"Why yes," she mused, "it is the very thought that had occurred to me,
and caused me to spurn the aid he proffered when last he was here."

"Ah!" I cried. "What aid was that?"

"You must know, Lazzaro," said she, "that he comes often to Pesaro from
Cesena, being a man in whom the Duke places great trust, and on whom he
has bestowed considerable powers. He never fails to lie at the Palace
when he comes, and he seems to--to have conceived a regard for me. He is
a man of twice my years," she added hurriedly, "and haply looks upon me
as he might upon a daughter."

I sniffed the air. I had heard of such men.

"A week ago, when last he came, I was cast down and grieved by the
affair of this marriage, which Filippo had that day disclosed to me. The
Governor of Cesena, observing my sadness, sought my confidence with a
kindliness of which you would scarce believe him capable; for he is a
fierce and blustering man of war. In the fulness of my heart there was
nothing that seemed so desirable as a friendly ear into which I might
pour the tale of my affliction. He heard me gravely, and when I had done
he placed himself at my disposal, assuring me that if I would but trust
myself to him, he wo