Seeing the futility of his endeavours, Gonzaga withdrew in increased resentment, but with a heightened sweetness of smile and profoundness of courtesies.
He went below to issue orders for the raising of the bridge, and finding the men singularly meek and tractable after the sharp lesson Francesco had read them, he vented upon them some of the vast ill-humour that possessed him.

Next he passed on to his own apartments, and there he sat himself by a window overlooking the castle gardens, with his unpleasant thoughts for only company.
But presently his mood lightened and he took courage, for he could be very brave when peril was remote.

It was best, he reflected, that Valentina should leave Roccaleone.

Such was the course he would advise and urge.

Naturally, he would go with her, and so he might advance his suit as well elsewhere as in that castle.