It was the very contingency that he had prophesied, assured that neither Guidobaldo nor Gian Maria would be so mad as to court ridicule by engaging upon it.
For a second Francesco's eyes rested on the courtier's face, and saw the fear written there for all to read.

The shadow of a smile quivered on his lips as his glance moved on to meet the eyes of Valentina, sparkling as sparkles frost beneath the sun.
"Why, let them come!" she exclaimed, almost in exultation.

"This ducal oaf shall find me very ready for him.

We are armed at all points.

We have victuals to last us three months, if need be, and we have no lack of weapons.