is mother's name was Isotta--a beautiful girl at
the Court of the Lords of Bologna, who had romantic relations with both
Signore Alessandro and Conte Giorgio. Which of the two was Conte
Ulisse's father mattered far less, from a matrimonial point of view,
than the fact that the prospective bridegroom was unusually wealthy and
well-placed.

Conte Ulisse, twenty years of age, went to Florence along with the
Bologna deputation to greet Grand Duke Francesco upon his marriage with
Bianca Buonaventuri. Then it was that he first saw Pellegrina, and was
accepted as her betrothed husband. He remained in Florence a
considerable time, and took a leading part in the splendid festivities
and the notable _giostre_, wherein he was hailed as a champion in the
"Lists."

The marriage was celebrated three months after the Grand Ducal wedding,
and, amid the tears of her mother, Pellegrina departed with her husband
for Bologna. Everything went well for a time with the youthful Count and
Countess. Grand Duchess Bianca paid them several visits, and Countess
Pellegrina spent much time in Florence. For example, she took part in
the marriage ceremonies of Virginia de' Medici, unhappy Signora
Cammilla's child, in 1586, with Don Cesare d'Este. The year after her
coronation the Grand Duchess went in state to Bologna, to assist at the
accouchement of her daughter. A little son made his appearance, and as
though to fix the real parentage of the Count, he was baptised Giorgio.

Two more sons came to seal the happiness of the young couple--Alessandro
and Francesco--and two daughters--Bianca and Vittoria--and then the
happy relations between the Count and Countess underwent a change, and
her husband's love ceased to peep into Pellegrina's heart. The Count was
much occupied with military matters, like most young nobles of his age;
he also undertook diplomatic duties, and was sent, in 1585, as the
special ambassador of Bologna, to congratulate Pope Sixtus V. upon his
elevation to the Pontifical throne.

At the Roman Court he met Don Piero de' Medici--the Florentine
envoy--and, through him, got into evil company. He returned to Bologna
unsettled in his feelings, and looking for excitement and illicit
intercourse. His passion for Pellegrina was passing away, and he sought
not her couch but the company of a lovely girl of Bologna who had
fascinated him.

By degrees his love for his sweet wife grew cold, and at length he had
the effrontery to establish h