CHAPTER VII.
LUCRETIA'S FIRST MARRIAGE Alexander had a residence furnished for Lucretia close to the Vatican; it was a house which Cardinal Battista Zeno had built in 1483, and was known after his church as the Palace of S.Maria in Portico.

It was on the left side of the steps of S.Peter's, almost opposite the Palace of the Inquisition.

The building of Bernini's Colonnade has, however, changed the appearance of the neighborhood so that it is no longer recognizable.
The youthful Lucretia held court in her own palace, which was under the management of her maid of honor and governess, Adriana Orsini.

Alexander had induced this kinswoman of his to leave the Orsini palace and to take up her abode with Lucretia in the palace of S.Maria in Portico, where we shall frequently see them and another woman who was only too close to the Pope.
Vannozza remained in her own house in the Regola quarter.

Her husband had been made commandant or captain of the Torre di Nona, of which Alexander shortly made him warden, a position of great trust, and Canale gave himself up eagerly to his important and profitable duties.