"Immure yourself in Roccaleone, and thence hurl defiance at Urbino and Babbiano, refusing to surrender until they grant your terms--that you are to marry as you list." "And you will help me in this ?" she questioned, her mind--in its innocence--inclining more and more to the mad project.
"With all my strength and wit," he answered, readily and gallantly.

"I will so victual the place that it shall be able to stand siege for a whole year, should the need arise, and I will find you the men to arm it--a score will, I should think, be ample for our needs, since it is mainly upon the natural strength of the place that we rely." "And then," said she, "I shall need a captain." Gonzaga made her a low bow.
"If you will honour me with the office, Madonna, I shall serve you loyally whilst I have life." A smile quivered for a second on her lips, but was gone ere the courtier had straightened himself from his bow, for far was it from her wishes to wound his spirit.

But the notion of this scented fop in the role of captain, ruling a handful of rough mercenaries, and directing the operations for the resistance of an assiduous siege, touched her with its ludicrous note.

Yet, if she refused him this, it was more than likely he would deem himself offended, and refuse to advance their plans.

It crossed her mind--in the full confidence of youth--that if he should fail her when the hour of action came, she was of stout enough heart to aid herself.