But above all, Ercole, do not let them see you or suspect your presence; that were to undermine such effect as my words may have produced." From out of a woefully pale face Valentina raised her brown eyes to his, in a look that was as a stab to the observing Gonzaga.
"I needed a man here," she said, "and I think that Heaven it must have been that sent you to my aid.

But do you think," she asked, and with her eyes she closely scanned his face for any sign of doubt, "that they are pacified ?" "I am assured of it, Madonna.

Come, there are signs of tears in your eyes, and--by my soul!--there is naught to weep at." "I am but a woman, after all," she smiled up at him, "and so, subject to a woman's weakness.

It seemed as if the end were indeed come just now.
It had come, but for you.

If they should mutiny----" "They shall not, while I am here," he answered, with a cheering confidence.