Francesco read it, and questioned him closely as to what he knew of the manner in which it had come into Gonzaga's possession.

For the rest, those lines, far from causing him the uneasiness Peppe expected, seemed a source of satisfaction and assurance to him.
"He offers a thousand gold florins," he muttered, "in addition to Gonzaga's liberty and advancement.

Why, then, I have said no more than was true when I assured the men that Gian Maria was but idly threatening us with bombardment.

Keep this matter secret, Peppe." "But you will watch Messer Gonzaga ?" quoth the fool.
"Watch him?
Why, where is the need?
You do not imagine him so vile that this offer could tempt him ?" Peppe looked up, his great, whimsical face screwed into an expression of cunning doubt.
"You do not think, lord, that he invited it ?" "Now, shame on you for that thought.

Messer Gonzaga may be an idle lute-thrummer, a poor-spirited coward; but a traitor----! And to betray Monna Valentina! No, no." But the fool was far from reassured.