Fanfulla, send for Peppe.

We must despatch the fool to her with warning of Gian Maria's coming, and warning, too, against this man of Mantua she has fled with." "Too late," answered Fanfulla.

"The fool departed this morning for Roccaleone, to join his patrona." Francesco looked his dismay.
"She will be undone," he groaned.

"Thus between the upper and the nether stone--between Gian Maria and Romeo Gonzaga.

Gesu! she will be undone! And she so brave and so high-spirited!" He moved slowly to the casement, and stood staring at the windows across the street, on which the setting sun fell in a ruddy glow.