e Prince and his _aya_, so soon as I shall have found
one of the Council. Your Majesty will not fear to be left alone?"

"No: _No!_" Caterina hastened her with a motion of her hand. "The others
will be here; thou wilt hasten with the child--and then thou wilt leave
me no more!"

But Dama Margherita was already far down the narrow stone corridor,
beyond hearing the confession of failing courage which would have
brought her instantly back, when a tapestry was thrust hastily aside,
and Maestro Gentile, the old white-haired physician, fully armed, but
with the air of a hunted man, tottered into the room.

"They seek my life," he gasped, "I know not why. I came through the
terror lest your Majesty should need me--for it is a night!--San Nicolo
save us!"

"Madonna mia!" the Queen cried piteously with clasped hands, "I do not
understand!"

"It is the time for reckoning, fair Majesty; and those who have the
power shall rule."

The Archbishop of Nikosia had entered the Queen's apartment unperceived
and stood watching her with eyes of triumph.

She shrank from him with a sudden comprehension of his false nature,
while he offered his explanation in a voice that struck her sensitive
soul like a blow.

Instinctively she drew nearer to the old physician as if craving some
stay, and laid her hand affectionately on his arm; then she pointed to
the door: "Leave us at least the courtesy of our apartment!" she
exclaimed indignantly to the Archbishop; "your Grace came unannounced."

"I came to bring your Majesty news of import," he began, taking no
notice of her command. "His Majesty of Naples----"

Was he indeed about to confess his connection with the intriguing King
of Naples, of which there had been more than one rumor? Aluisi had
bidden her weigh the Primate's counsels before accepting them.

"We will hear your news in presence of the Councillors of the Realm,
whom I have already summoned," the Queen interrupted, raising her
fragile hand with a motion of silence--her slight trembling figure held
erect by force of will, her head thrown back--her eyes flashing
scorn--her voice steadied by a supreme effort.

He paused, half in admiration, half in triumph, gloating over the
success of the conspiracy of which he had been the master-mind, while he
picked the words in which he would announce it to his victim, as one
might choose the pebbles for a sling--the smoothest and the sharpest.

"It is scarce fitting that your Majesty