Three lots in this sale of the Cardinal's effects were really of 'superior' quality: the Story of Narcissus, the rock-crystal goblet, and an embossed silver helmet by Antonio del Pollajuolo presented by the City of Florence to the Count of Urbino in 1472 for services rendered during the taking of Volterra.
'Here is the Princess,' said Filippo del Monte to the Duchess.
Elena rose and shook hands with her friend.
'Already in the field!' exclaimed the Princess.
'Already.' 'And Francesca ?' 'She has not come yet.' Four or five young men--the Duke of Grimiti, Roberto Casteldieri, Ludovico Barbarisi, Gianetto Rutolo--drew up round them.

Others joined them.

The rattle of the rain against the windows almost drowned their voices.
Elena held out her hand frankly to Sperelli as to everybody else, but somehow he felt that that handshake set him at a distance from her.
Elena seemed to him cold and grave.

That instant sufficed to freeze and destroy all his dreams; his memories of the preceding evening grew confused and dim, the torch of hope was extinguished.

What had happened to her ?--She was not the same woman.