of Nikosia, where one may breathe
the air of Heaven, instead of a pestiferous malaria from the marshes of
Famagosta."

"It would be well that Her Majesty came hither to dwell," said one of
the burghers eagerly; "and the Prince--because of the noisome air and
water of Famagosta."

"Aye; and because of other things," interposed a stalwart man who had
just issued from the palace of the Vice-Roy and joined the waiting
throng. "That she may dwell among a loyal people and away from the
Council of the Realm _which one may not trust_."

He spoke in tones of bitter wrath, startling the others by his hint of
danger.

"How 'the Council of the Realm'?" another citizen questioned, astonished
and half indignant. "Is not our Seigneur Pietro Davilla one of them?"

"Aye--he is one--but a noble of Nikosia--our loyal city. And because of
his loyalty--lest he be thought one with their foul purposes--he hath
returned in haste. I spoke with one of his gentlemen but now. Nay, bide
your time." For the crowd turned upon him with an avalanche of
ejaculations and questions: "it will be proclaimed from the Palazzo
Reale."

"But, Stefano--the _Council of the Realm_?" one of his listeners
persisted.

"There are too many foreigners in the Council: and that black-browed
fiend of Naples is the worst of them!"

"Be not so daring, man! Hast thou no fear?" a stranger in the crowd
exclaimed warningly; "we shall all be arrested for rebels."

"Fear!" a citizen echoed--"_Santa Vergine!_ That was our Stefano!--thou
knowest him not."

But Stefano was one who spoke when it pleased him: he deigned no reply,
but fixed an intent gaze on the balcony of the palace, while the crowd
fell to talk among themselves, still waiting eagerly for news.

Stefano Caduna, this man of the people, was, in truth an idol in
Nikosia: rugged, commanding, with an air and tone of authority, the
people looked to him for leadership. While they were speaking he moved
quickly forward, the crowd making way for him at his quiet gesture--the
strong hand, slightly raised.

"_Pace!_" he commanded, with a motion toward the palace of the Vice-Roy,
and an instant hush fell upon the throng.

A band of knights, fully armed, came forth and stood before the palace
portal, while their banner-bearers unrolled the standards of the Queen
and the Prince--a challenge to the eager cries of loyalty which greeted
them. Mounted messengers were dashing with orders up to the citadel and
down to th