"You saved my life, and you must be rewarded fittingly." "Then, Illustrious, in payment for my preservation of your life, do you render happy mine, and we shall thus be quits." "My lord," cried Paola, putting forth her hands in supplication, "if you have ever loved, befriend us now." A shadow darkened his face for an instant, then it was gone, and his expression was as inscrutable as ever.

Yet he took her hands in his and looked down into her eyes.
"They say that I am hard, bloodthirsty and unfeeling," he said in tones that were almost of complaint.

"But I am not proof against so much appeal.

Ignacio must find him a bride in Spain; and if he is wise and would taste the sweets of life, he will see to it that he finds him a willing one." "As for you two, Cesare Borgia shalt stand your friend.

He owes you no less.