That you should account the one and the other the work of Giovanni Sforza was to me a little thing, since I was well content to think that you but loved him because you accounted his the things that I had performed.
Therefore was I the one you truly loved, although you did not know it.
Could you but conceive what consolation that reflection was to me, you would deal lightly with me for my deceit." "I can conceive it," she answered, very gently, her eyes downcast; "and now that I know the motives that impelled you, I almost love you for that deceit itself, for it seems to me that it holds some quality well worthy of devotion." Such was our talk, all of a nature to help us to a better understanding of each other, and all seeming to endear us more and more by showing us how close the past had already drawn us.
Later I rose and announced my intention of adventuring into Cattolica, there to procure her garments more seemly than those she wore, in which she might journey on and come into the presence of my mother.

Also, there was in Cattolica a man I knew, of whom I hoped for the loan of enough money to enable me to purchase mules, to the end that we might journey in more dignity and comfort.

It was then about the twentieth hour, and I hoped to return by nightfall.

I took my leave of Madonna, enjoining her to rest and to seek sleep whilst I was absent; and with that I set out.
Cattolica was no more than a half-league distant, and I looked to reach it in a half-hour or so.

I fell into thought as I trudged along, and I was building plans for the sunlit future that was to be ours.