Its character is intimate." He looked at her very searchingly, but for all that he was a man of almost twice her years, her wits were more than a match for his, and his scrutiny can have told him nothing.

She preserved a calm, unruffled front.
"In five minutes, Madonna," said he, very sternly, "I shall be honoured if you will receive me in your closet." She inclined her head, murmuring an unhesitating assent.

Satisfied, he bowed to her and to Madonna Paola--who had been looking on with eyes that wonder had set wide open--and turning on his heel he strode briskly away.

As he passed into the castle, Madonna Lucrezia heaved a sigh and rose.
"My poor Boccadoro," she cried, "I fear me your affairs must wait a while.

But think of me always as your friend, and believe that if I can prevail upon my brother to overlook the ill-turn you did him when you entered the service of this child"-- and she pointed to Madonna Paola--"I shall send for you from Rome, for in Pesaro I fear you have little to hope for.