They thus remained for a little space.

Then shaking his head and speaking with an infinite sadness: "It were better that you did, Madonna," he made answer.
"Better?
But why ?" "Because I am no duke, Madonna." "And what of that ?" she cried, to add with scorn: "Out yonder sits a duke.

Oh, sir, how shall I account presumptuous in you the very words that I would hear?
What does your rank signify to me?
I know you for the truest knight, the noblest gentleman, and the most valiant friend that ever came to the aid of distressed maiden.

Do you forget the very principles that have led me to make this resistance?
That I am a woman, and ask of life no more than is a woman's due--and no less." There she stopped; again the blood suffused her cheeks as she bethought her of how fast she talked, and of how bold her words might sound.

She turned slightly from him, and leant now upon the parapet, gazing out into the night.