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But Fanfulla and the servants joined their advice to Peppe's, and prevailed at last upon Francesco to take cover until this company should have passed. He consented, to pacify them, and wheeling to the right they entered the border of the forest, drawing rein well in the shadow, whence they could survey the road and see who passed across the patch of moonlight that illumined it.
"Swear on the cross of this, never to divulge his Excellency's presence here, or take you the point of it in your foolish heart." "I swear, I swear!" he cried, in fearful haste, his hand upon the hilt, which Fanfulla now held towards him. "Now fetch the priest, good fool," said the Count, with a smile at the hunchback's sudden terror. "You have nothing to fear from us."
We had preferred to see you fill with honour a position higher still, and should you later come to consider " "Dismiss your hopes of that," put in the Count, with a solemn shake of his head. And then, before another word was uttered, young Fanfulla degli Arcipreti leapt of a sudden to his feet, his brows knit, and an expression of alarm spreading upon his comely face.
To this Fra Domenico replied that he had neither unguents nor linen, but Fanfulla suggested that he might get these things from the convent of Acquasparta, hard by, and proffered to accompany him thither. This being determined, they departed, leaving the Count in the company of the jester.
From a window of the Palace of Babbiano the Lord of Aquila watched the amazing bustle in the courtyard below, and at his side stood Fanfulla degli Arcipreti, whom he had summoned from Perugia with assurances that, Masuccio being dead, no peril now menaced him.
"God and the saints protect me!" gasped the Duke. "You talk of it as if he were already marching." "Then I talk of it advisedly. The event is none so remote as you would make yourself believe. Listen, Gian Maria! I have not ridden from Aquila for just the pleasure of passing the time of day with you. Fabrizio da Lodi and Fanfulla degli Arcipreti have been with me of late."
If it were so, what a vengeance would be his to unmask him! How it must humble Valentina! The letter lay before him. Within it the true facts would be disclosed. What did his friend Fanfulla write him? He took the letter up and made a close inspection of the seal. Then softly, quietly, slowly he drew his dagger.
"You?" echoed Fanfulla. "But the Venetians?" By a gesture the Count signified how little the Venetians weighed with him when compared with the fortunes of this lady. "I am going to Roccaleone," he insisted, "now at once." And striding to the door he beat his hands together and called Lanciotto.
Thus they continued now that perilous descent, Fanfulla riding, and the Count half-running, half-swinging from his stirrup.
And that poor girl, Fanfulla! Think of her. She is to be joined in loveless union to such a gross, unfeeling clod as Gian Maria. Have you no pity for her?" Fanfulla sighed, his brow clouded. "I am not so dull but that I can see why you should reason thus to-day," said he. "These thoughts have come to you since you have seen her." Franceseo sighed deeply. "Who knows?" he made answer wistfully.
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