They wrangled a while yet, Gonzaga bitter and vindictive and rashly scornful of both Francesco and Fortemani.

But the Count so resolutely held the ground he had taken that in the end Valentina shrugged her shoulders, acknowledged herself convinced, and bade Francesco deliver judgment.
"You are in earnest, Madonna ?" quoth Francesco in surprise, whilst a black scowl disfigured the serenity of Gonzaga's brow.
"I am indeed.

Deal with him as you account best and most just, and it shall fare with him precisely as you ordain." Francesco turned to the men-at-arms.

"Unbind him, one of you," he said shortly.
"I believe that you are mad," cried Gonzaga, in a frenzy, but his mood sprang rather from the chagrin of seeing his interloper prevail where he had failed.

"Madonna, do not heed him." "I pray you let be, my good Gonzaga," she answered soothingly, and Gonzaga, ready to faint from spite, obeyed her.
"Leave him there, and go," was Paolo's next order to the men, and they departed, leaving the astonished Fortemani standing alone, unbound and sheepish.
"Now mark me well, Messer Fortemani," Francesco admonished him.