And you, Madonna," he cried, turning suddenly to her, "what have you to say ?" "Only, my lord, that I have suffered more I think in these past few days than has ever fallen to the life-time's share of another woman.

I think, my lord, that I have suffered enough to have earned me a little peace and a little happiness for the remainder of my days.

All my life have men plagued me with marriages that were hateful to me, and this has culminated in the brutal act of Ramiro del' Orca.

Do you not think that I have endured enough ?" He stared at her for a moment.
"Then you love this fellow ?" he gasped.

"You, Madonna Paola Sforza di Santafior, one of the noblest ladies in all Italy, confess to love this lordling of a few barren acres ?" "I loved him, Illustrious, when he was less, much less, than that.
I loved him when he was little better than the Fool of the Court of Pesaro, and not even the shame of the motley that disgraced him could stay the impulse of my affections." He laughed curiously.
"By my faith," said he, "I have gone through life complaining of the want of frankness in the men and women I have met.