The Lord of Pesaro did make me tardy restitution--so tardy, indeed, that the lands which he restored to me had already virtually passed from his possession." Cesare smiled.
"In recompense for the service you have rendered me this day," said he, and my heart thrilled at the words and at the thought of the joy which I was about to bear to my old mother, "I reinvest you in your lands of Biancomonte for so long as you are content to recognise in me your overlord, and to be loyal, true and faithful to my rule." I bowed, murmuring something of the joy I felt and the devotion I should entertain.
"Then that is done with.

You shall have the deed from my hand by morning.

And now, Madonna, will you grant me some explanation of your conduct in leaving Pesaro in this man's company, instead of repairing to your brother's house, when you awakened from the effects of the potion Ramiro gave you, or must I seek the explanation from Messer Biancomonte ?" Her eyes fell before the scrutiny of his, and when they were raised again it was to meet my glance, and if Cesare could not, for himself, read the message of those eyes, why then, his penetration was by no means what the world accounted it.
"My lord," I cried, "let me explain.

I love Madonna Paola.

It was love of her that led me to the church and kept me there that night.