After all, there may be a disparity in your ranks.

But it is purely adventitious, for noble though you may be, Madonna Paola, you are wedding one who seems no less noble at heart, whatever the parts he may have played in life." He smiled inscrutably, as he added: "I have in mind that you once sought service with me Messer Biancomonte, and if a martial life allures you still, I'll make you lord of something better far than Biancomonte." I thanked him, and Madonna joined me in that expression of gratitude--an expression that fell very short of all that was in our hearts.

But touching that offer of his that I should follow his fortunes, I begged him not to insist.
"The possession of Biancomonte has from my cradle been the goal of all my hopes.

It is patrimony enough for me, and there, with Madonna Paola, I'll take a long farewell of ambition, which is but the seed of discontent." "Why, as you will," he sighed.

And then, before more could be said, there came from the adjoining room a piercing scream.
Cesare raised his head, and his lips parted in the faintest vestige of a smile.
"They are exacting the truth from the Governor of Cesena," said he.