I beg that you will sit." They had passed into the banqueting-hall--a noble apartment, whose walls were frescoed with hunting and pastoral scenes, one or two of which were the work of Pisaniello.

There were, too, some stray trophies of the chase, and, here and there, a suit of costly armour that caught the sunlight pouring through the tall, mullioned windows.

At the far end stood a richly carved screen of cedar, and above this appeared the twisted railing of the minstrels' gallery.

In a tall armchair of untanned leather, at the head of the capacious board, Monna Valentina sat herself, Gonzaga taking his stand at her elbow, and Francesco fronting her, leaning lightly against the table.
"The news I bear you, lady, is soon told," said the Count.

"I would its quality were better.