dam, it was only a dream: I
was on your right, riding a fine white horse, magnificently caparisoned,
and the chief-justice of the kingdom carried before me a flag unfolded in
sign of honour. After riding in triumph through the main thoroughfares
of the city, we arrived, to the sound of trumpets and clarions, at the
royal church of Saint Clara, where your grandfather and my uncle are
buried, and there, before the high altar, the pope's ambassador laid your
hand in mine and pronounced a long discourse, and then on our two heads
in turn placed the crown of Jerusalem and Sicily; after which the nobles
and the people shouted in one voice, 'Long live the King and Queen of
Naples!' And I, wishing to perpetuate the memory of so glorious a day,
proceeded to create knights among the most zealous in our court."

"And do you not remember the names of the chosen persons whom you judged
worthy of your royal favours?"

"Assuredly, madam: Bertrand, Count of Artois."

"Enough, my lord; I excuse you from naming the rest: I always supposed
you were loyal and generous, but you give me fresh proof of it by showing
favour to men whom I most honour and trust. I cannot tell if your wishes
are likely soon to be realised, but in any case feel sure of my perpetual
gratitude."

Joan's voice did not betray the slightest emotion; her look had became
kind, and the sweetest smile was on her lips. But in her heart Andre's
death was from that moment decided upon. The prince, too much
preoccupied with his own projects of vengeance, and too confident in his
all-powerful talisman and his personal valour, had no suspicion that his
plans could be anticipated. He conversed a long time with his wife in a
chatting, friendly way, trying to spy out her secret, and exposing his
own by his interrupted phrases and mysterious reserves. When he fancied
that every cloud of former resentment, even the lightest, had disappeared
from Joan's brow, he begged her to go with her suite on a magnificent
hunting expedition that he was organising for the 20th of August, adding
that such a kindness on her part would be for him a sure pledge of their
reconciliation and complete forgetfulness of the past. Joan promised
with a charming grace, and the prince retired fully satisfied with the
interview, carrying with him the conviction that he had only to threaten
to strike a blow at the queen's favourite to ensure her obedience,
perhaps even her love.

But on the eve of th