"But then, your mother---- ?" "Was more discriminating, sir, than yours," came the sharp answer, and from the shadows the fool's smothered burst of laughter added gall to it.
Gonzaga rose heavily, drawing a sharp breath, and the two men stabbed each other with their eyes.

Valentina, uncomprehending, looked from one to the other.
"Sirs, sirs, what have you said ?" she cried.

"Why all this war of looks ?" "He is over-quick to take offence, Madonna, for an honest man," was Gonzaga's answer.

"Like the snake in the grass, he is very ready with his sting when we seek to disclose him." "For shame, Gonzaga," she cried, now rising too.

"What are you saying?
Are you turned witless?
Come, sirs, since you are both my friends, be friends each with the other." "Most perfect syllogism!" murmured the fool, unheeded.
"And you, Messer Francesco, forget his words.