er the identity of the person addressed
as

"_L'Illustrissima,
Madama di Niuna._"

But no light had been thrown upon the matter, although it had been
openly discussed in the court-circle.

Dama Margherita had noticed with uneasiness that Ecciva de Montferrat,
who was usually on the alert for any excitement, had seemed singularly
apathetic when this subject had been broached, and she felt that the
trust reposed in her by the Admiral required her to mention her
suspicions to Madama di Thenouris, although she shrank from this duty
the more because she knew that Dama Ecciva was supposed to be exerting
some secret influence against herself.

"Dear Madama di Thenouris," she said appealingly, "it seems so much the
more ungracious on my part. Yet it is treachery to our Queen. And if it
should be that Dama Ecciva hath been receiving these letters and holding
such part in these intrigues--to leave her where she hath free access to
the court-circle.--But it cannot be true; she is too young to be so
faithless! And if she need not know that I have hinted of my fears? It
would seem like some petty revenge--yet I cannot be false to my trust!"

"Thank heaven thou canst not, Margherita, since others find it easy! Yet
we must watch for our own assurance, and may thy fears prove naught!
Comfort thy soul, for _some_ one is guilty, and the finding of the
culprit will clear all others of suspicion."

* * * * *

"It is most strange about these letters," Madama di Thenouris said
later, as the young maids of honor sat around her with their embroidery
frames. "Tell me, Ecciva----"

There was a sudden convulsive movement of the girl's arm and she gave an
exclamation of annoyance as the golden thread snapped in her needle; but
she did not look up.

Madama di Thenouris, closely watching, saw that her fingers trembled so
that she could scarcely hold her needle.

"Tell me," she pursued in her leisurely fashion, after a slight pause,
while Ecciva's needle still remained unthreaded, "what method shall we
take to discover the identity of this unknown 'illustrissima'--this
_Madama di Niuna_?"

The girl's alarm grew evidently less; but it was a moment more before
she answered:

"Why doth your Excellency thus honor me, in calling me in counsel? There
are others whose opinion would carry more weight."

"Nevertheless, since I have asked thee, give me thy thought."

"_Madama di Niuna_," the young mai