It had been well for Ser Peppe had he let him go.

But the fool, who loved his mistress dearly, and had many of the instincts of the faithful dog, loving where she loved and hating where she hated, could not repress the desire to send a gibe after the retreating figure, and inflict another wound in that much wounded spirit.
"You find it a hard road to Madonna's heart, Magnificent," he called after him.

"Where your wisdom is blind be aided by the keen eyes of folly." The Duke stood still.

A man more dignified would have left that treacherous tongue unheeded.

But Dignity and Gian Maria were strangers.
He turned, and eyed the figure that now followed him into the room.
"You have knowledge to sell," he guessed contemptuously.
"Knowledge I have--a vast store--but none for sale, Lord Duke.