These inquiries he conducted with characteristic dignity, and no more show of concern than if it had been an affair of a strayed falcon.

He thanked Francesco for his information, and gave orders that the seneschal should place apartments at his and Fanfulla's disposal for as long as it should please them to grace his court.

With that he dismissed them, bidding the officer remain to receive his orders.
"And that," said Francesco to Peppe, as they crossed the ante-chamber in the wake of a servant, "is the man who would lay siege to his niece's castle?
For once, sir fool, your wisdom is at fault." "You do not know the Duke, Excellency," answered the fool.

"Beneath that frozen exterior burns a furnace, and there is no madness he would not commit." But Francesco only laughed as, linking arms with Fanfulla, he passed down the gallery on his way to the apartments to which the servant was conducting them..