He was dressed in a suit of lilac velvet, trimmed with lynx fur, and slashed, Spanish fashion, in the sleeves, to show the shirt of fine Rheims linen underneath.

About his neck hung a gold chain, bearing an Agnus Dei, which contained a relic of the True Cross--for Gian Maria pushed his devoutness to great lengths.
His welcome of Francesco was more effusive than its wont.

He bade the two servants who attended him to lay a plate for his illustrious cousin, and when Aquila shortly yet courteously declined, with the assurance that he had dined already, the Duke insisted that, at least, he should drink a Cup of Malvasia.

When out of a vessel of beaten gold they had filled a goblet for the Count, his Highness bade the servants go, and relaxed--if, indeed, so much may be said of one who never knew much dignity--before his visitor.
"I hear," said Aquila, when the first compliments were spent, "strange stories of a conspiracy in your Duchy, and on the walls at the Gate of San Bacolo I beheld four heads, of men whom I have known and honoured." "And who dishonoured themselves ere their heads were made a banquet for the crows.

There, Francesco!" He shuddered, and crossed himself.