Then, without waiting so much as to see his orders carried out, he stalks away, assured that no more was needed.

Nor was it.

They rose up, muttering a curse or two, maybe--yet not so loud that it might reach the ears of Fortemani--and got themselves to bed." She looked again at Francesco with admiring eyes, and spoke of his audacity in commending terms.

This he belittled; but she persisted.
"You have seen much warring, sir," she half-asked, half-asserted.
"Why, yes, Madonna." And here the writhing Gonzaga espied his opportunity.
"I do not call to mind your name, good sir," he purred.
Francesco half-turned towards him, and for all that his mind was working with a lightning quickness, his face was indolently calm.

To disclose his true identity he deemed unwise, for all connected with the Sforza brood must earn mistrust at the hands of Valentina.