On the other hand, if she remained, why, so would he, and, after all, what if Gian Maria came?
As Francesco had said, the siege could not be protracted, thanks to the tangled affairs of Babbiano.

Soon Gian Maria would be forced to turn him homeward, to defend his Duchy.

If, then, for a little while they could hold him in check, all would yet be well.

Surely he had been over-quick to despond.
He rose and stretched himself with indolent relish, then pushing wide his casement, he leaned out to breathe the morning air.

A soft laugh escaped him.