The place was empty, as indeed all Cagli had seemed when I rode up.

She came forward--a woman with a brown, full face, and large kindly eyes--and I asked her whether a lady had arrived there in safety that morning.

At first she seemed mistrustful, but when I had assured her that I was in that lady's service, she frankly owned that Madonna was safe in her own room.

Thither I allowed her to lead me, at once eager and reluctant.

Eager with my own eyes to assure myself of her perfect safety; reluctant that, since a man may not penetrate to a lady's chamber hat on head, by uncovering I must disclose my shameful trade.