But, Heaven knows, I am in no case to stand pondering the aid you offer, nor, indeed, do I doubt the good faith that moves you.

Let me hear, sir, how you would propose to serve me." "Whence are you ?" I inquired.
"From Rome," she informed me without hesitation, "to seek at my cousin's Court of Pesaro shelter from a persecution to which the Borgia family is submitting me." At her cousin's Court of Pesaro! An odd coincidence, this--and while I was pondering it, it flashed into my mind that by helping her I might assist myself.

Had aught been needed o strengthen my purpose to serve her, I had it now.
"Yet," said I, surprise investing my voice, "at Pesaro there is Madonna Lucrezia of that same House of Borgia." She smiled away the doubt my words implied.
"Madonna Lucrezia is my friend," said she; "as sweet and gentle a friend as ever woman had, and she will stand by me even against her own family." Since she was satisfied of that, I waived the point, and returned to what was of more immediate interest.
"And you fled," said I, "with these ?" And I indicated her attendants.
"Not content to leave the clearest of tracks behind you in the snow, you have had yourself attended by four grooms in the livery of Santafior.
So that by asking a few questions any that were so inclined might follow you with ease." She opened wide her eyes at that.

Oftentimes have I observed that it needs a fool to teach some elementary wisdom to the wise ones of this world.

I leapt from my saddle and stood in the road beside her, the bridle on my arm.
"Listen now, Madonna.