connected with the
Medici, claimed satisfaction at the hands of the Grand Duke for what
they chose to call the assassination of their young relative. Francesco
judged that the _liaison_ between his sister-in-law and the so-called
"assassin" required regulation, especially as she had failed to comply
with his previous admonition. The two offences would be best judged by
the banishment of the cavaliere, whose rank forbade his inclusion in a
monastery. Consequently Bernardino was sent off, under guard, to a
fortress in the Isle of Elba, and Princess Eleanora was confined,
during the Grand Duke's pleasure, to her apartments in the Medici
Palace.

The old tale that "love laughs at locks" had now one fresh telling! An
amorous correspondence began between the parted lovers, which was
carried on for a considerable time without detection. At last there came
a day when the secret was out, through the carelessness of Bernardino's
brother Filippo, the intermediary in the love affair. Watching his
opportunity of dropping a letter into the hand of the Princess, as she
passed through the corridor connecting the Pitti and the Uffizi--just
completed by Duke Cosimo's orders--Captain Filippo had the curiosity to
read the _billet-doux_ himself. He failed to notice that a brother
officer was standing close by, who also glanced at the contents of the
letter.

Captain Giulio Caccini was Master of Music and conductor of the palace
orchestra, and when he had a favourable opportunity he confided to his
master what he had seen--doubtless he considered himself well on towards
the receipt of a reward for his mean services.

Francesco was furious: he might, as Sovereign, have his love passages
with whom he willed--although be it said, truly, he had one and only one
love, Bianca Cappello Buonaventuri--but he could not tolerate any amours
between a princess of his house and a subaltern of his guard.

Captain Bernardino was ordered to be brought back to Florence
immediately, and, after a stormy interview with the Grand Duke, he was
consigned to the condemned-criminal dungeon of the Bargello.

The same night the prisoner's cell was entered by a _Frate_--a
confessor, who acquainted him that he had been sentenced to death!
Expostulation was vain, and his asseverations of innocence and promises
of submission to the Grand Duke's will were rudely interrupted by the
appearance of the headsman! Forced upon his knees, the unhappy young
officer mumbled out