THE "TRATTA DI CORDE"


Whilst the bustle of preparation went on briskly in Urbino, Gian Maria,
on his side, was rapidly disposing of affairs in Babbiano, that he might
return to the nuptials for which he was impatient. But he had chanced
upon a deeper tangle than he had reckoned with, and more to do than he
had looked for.

On the day of his departure from Urbino, he had ridden as far as Cagli,
and halted at the house of the noble Messer Valdicampo. This had been
placed at his disposal, and there he proposed to lie the night. They had
supped--the Duke, de' Alvari, Gismondo Santi, Messér Valdicampo, his wife
and two daughters, and a couple of friends, potential citizens of Cagli,
whom he had invited, that they might witness the honour that was being
done his house. It waxed late, and the torpor that ensues upon the
generous gratification of appetite was settling upon the company when
Armstadt--Gian Maria's Swiss captain--entered and approached his master
with the air of a man who is the bearer of news. He halted a pace or two
from the Duke's high-backed chair, and stood eyeing Gian Maria in stupid
patience.

"Well, fool?" growled the Duke, turning his head.

The Swiss approached another step. "They have brought him, Highness," he
said in a confidential whisper.

"Am I a wizard that I must read your thoughts?" hectored Gian Maria.
"Who has brought whom?"