CHAPTERI
Inthenightofthe15thofJanuary1343，whiletheinhabitantsofNapleslaywrappedinpeacefulslumber，theyweresuddenlyawakenedbythebellsofthethreehundredchurchesthatthisthriceblessedcapitalcontains。Inthemidstofthedisturbancecausedbysorudeacallthefirstboughtinthemindofallwasthatthetownwasonfire，orthatthearmyofsomeenemyhadmysteriouslylandedundercoverofnightandcouldputthecitizenstotheedgeofthesword。
Butthedoleful，intermittentsoundsofallthesefills，whichdisturbedthesilenceatregularanddistantintervals，wereaninvitationtothefaithfulprayforapassingsoul，anditwassoonevidentthatnodisasterthreatenedthetown，butthatthekingalonewasindanger。
Indeed，ithadbeenplainforseveraldayspastthatthegreatestuneasinessprevailedinCastelNuovo;theofficersofthecrownwereassembledregularlytwiceaday，andpersonsofimportance，whoserightitwastomaketheirwayintotheking’sapartments，cameoutevidentlyboweddownwithgrief。Butalthoughtheking’sdeathwasregardedasamisfortunethatnothingcouldavert，yetthewholetown，onlearningforcertainoftheapproachofhislasthour，wasaffectedwithasinceregrief，easilyunderstoodwhenonelearnsthatthemanabouttodie，afterareignofthirty-threeyears，eightmonths，andafewdays，wasRobertofAnjou，themostwise，just，andgloriouskingwhohadeversatonthethroneofSicily。Andsohecarriedwithhimtothetombtheeulogiesandregretsofallhissubjects。
SoldierswouldspeakwithenthusiasmofthelongwarshehadwagedwithFredericandPeterofAragon，againstHenryVIIandLouisofBavaria;andfelttheirheartsbeathigh，rememberingthegloriesofcampaignsinLombardyandTuscany;priestswouldgratefullyextolhisconstantdefenceofthepapacyagainstGhibellineattacks，andthefoundingofconvents，hospitals，andchurchesthroughouthiskingdom;
intheworldoflettershewasregardedasthemostlearnedkinginChristendom;Petrarch，indeed，wouldreceivethepoet’scrownfromnootherhand，andhadspentthreeconsecutivedaysansweringallthequestionsthatRoberthaddeignedtoaskhimoneverytopicofhumanknowledge。Themenoflaw，astonishedbythewisdomofthoselawswhichnowenrichedtheNeapolitancode，haddubbedhimtheSolomonoftheirday;thenoblesapplaudedhimforprotectingtheirancientprivileges，andthepeoplewereeloquentofhisclemency，piety，andmildness。Inaword，priestsandsoldiers，philosophersandpoets，noblesandpeasants，trembledwhentheythoughtthatthegovernmentwastofallintothehandsofaforeignerandofayounggirl，recallingthosewordsofRobert，who，ashefollowedinthefuneraltrainofCharles，hisonlyson，turnedashereachedthethresholdofthechurchandsobbinglyexclaimedtohisbaronsabouthim，\"Thisdaythecrownhasfallenfrommyhead：alasforme！alasforyou！\"
Nowthatthebellswereringingforthedyingmomentsofthegoodking，everymindwasfullofthesepropheticwords：womenprayedferventlytoGod;menfromallpartsofthetownbenttheirstepstowardstheroyalpalacetogettheearliestandmostauthenticnews，andafterwaitingsomemoments，passedinexchangingsadreflections，wereobligedtoreturnastheyhadcome，sincenothingthatwentonintheprivacyofthefamilyfounditswayoutside——thecastlewasplungedincompletedarkness，thedrawbridgewasraisedasusual，andtheguardswereattheirpost。
YetifourreaderscaretobepresentatthedeathofthenephewofSaintLouisandthegrandsonofCharlesofAnjou，wemayconductthemintothechamberofthedyingman。Analabasterlampsuspendedfromtheceilingservestolightthevastandsombreroom，withwallsdrapedinblackvelvetsewnwithgoldenfleur-de-lys。Nearthewallwhichfacesthetwoentrancedoorsthatatthismomentarebothshutclose，therestandsbeneathabrocadedcanopyanebonybed，supportedonfourtwistedcolumnscarvedwithsymbolicfigures。Theking，afterastrugglewithaviolentparoxysm，hasfallenswooninginthearmsofhisconfessorandhisdoctor，whoeachholdoneofhisdyinghands，feelinghispulseanxiouslyandexchanginglooksofintelligence。Atthefootofthebedstandsawomanaboutfiftyyearsofage，herhandsclasped，hereyesraisedtoheaven，inanattitudeofresignedgrief：thiswomanisthequeen，Notearsdimhereyes：hersunkencheekhasthatwaxenyellowtingethatoneseesonthebodiesofsaintspreservedbymiracle。Inherlookisthatminglingofcalmandsufferingthatpointstoasoulatoncetriedbysorrowandimbuedwithreligion。Afterthelapseofanhour，whilenomovementhaddisturbedtheprofoundsilencewhichreignedaboutthebedofdeath，thekingtrembledslightly;openedhiseyes，andendeavouredfeeblytoraisehishead。Theythankingthephysicianandpriestwithasmile，whohadbothhastenedtoarrangehispillows，hebeggedthequeentocomenear，andtoldherinalowvoicethathewouldspeakwithheramomentalone。Thedoctorandconfessorretired，deeplybowing，andthekingfollowedthemwithhiseyesuptothemomentwhenoneofthedoorsclosedbehindthem。Hepassedhishandacrosshisbrow，asthoughseekingtocollecthisthoughts，andrallyingallhisforcesforthesupremeeffort，pronouncedthesewords：
\"WhatImustsaytoyou，Sancha，hasnoconcernwiththosetwogoodpersonswhowerehereamomentago：theirtaskisended。Onehasdoneallformybodythathumansciencecouldteachhim，andallthathascomeofitisthatmydeathisyetalittledeferred;theotherhasnowabsolvedmeofallmysins，andassuredmeofGod’sforgiveness，yetcannotkeepfrommethosedreadapparitionswhichinthisterriblehourarisebeforeme。Twicehaveyouseenmebattlingwithasuperhumanhorror。Mybrowhasbeenbathedinsweat，mylimbsrigid，mycrieshavebeenstifledbyahandofiron。HasGodpermittedtheEvilSpirittotemptme？Isthisremorseinphantomshape？ThesetwoconflictsIhavesufferedhavesosubduedmystrengththatIcanneverendureathird。Listenthen，mySandra，forIhaveinstructionstogiveyouonwhichperhapsthesafetyofmysouldepends。\"
\"Mylordandmymaster，\"saidthequeeninthemostgentleaccentsofsubmission，\"Iamreadytolistentoyourorders;andshoulditbethatGod，inthehiddendesignsofHisprovidence，haswilledtocallyoutoHisglorywhileweareplungedingrief，yourlastwishesshallbefulfilledhereonearthmostscrupulouslyandexactly。
But，\"sheadded，withallthesolicitudeofatimidsoul，\"praysuffermetosprinkledropsofholywaterandbanishtheaccursedonefromthischamber，andletmeofferupsomepartofthatserviceofprayerthatyoucomposedinhonourofyoursaintedbrothertoimploreGod’sprotectioninthishourwhenwecanillaffordtoloseit。\"
Thenopeningarichlyboundbook，shereadwithferventdevotioncertainversesoftheofficethatRoberthadwritteninaverypureLatinforhisbrotherLouis，BishopofToulouse，whichwas，inuseintheChurchaslateasthetimeoftheCouncilofTrent。
Soothedbythecharmoftheprayershehadhimselfcomposed，thekingwasnearforgettingtheobjectoftheinterviewhehadsosolemnlyandeagerlydemandedandlettinghimselflapseintoastateofvaguemelancholy，hemurmuredinasubduedvoice，\"Yes，yes，youareright;prayforme，foryoutooareasaint，andIambutapoorsinfulman。\"
\"Saynotso，mylord，\"interruptedDonaSancha;\"youarethegreatest，wisest，andmostjustkingwhohaseversatuponthethroneofNaples。\"
\"Butthethroneisusurped，\"repliedRobertinavoiceofgloom;\"youknowthatthekingdombelongedtomyelderbrother，CharlesMartel;
andsinceCharleswasonthethroneofHungary，whichheinheritedfromhismother，thekingdomofNaplesdevolvedbyrightuponhiseldestson，Carobert，andnotonme，whoamthethirdinrankofthefamily。AndIhavesufferedmyselftobecrownedinmynephew’sstead，thoughhewastheonlylawful-king;Ihaveputtheyoungerbranchintheplaceoftheelder，andforthirty-threeyearsIhavestifledthereproachesofmyconscience。True，Ihavewonbattles，madelaws，foundedchurches;butasinglewordservestogivethelietoallthepompoustitlesshowereduponmebythepeople’sadmiration，andthisonewordringsoutclearerinmyearsthanallthe，flatteryofcourtiers，allthesongsofpoets，alltheorationsofthecrowd：——Iamanusurper！\"
\"Benotunjusttowardsyourself，mylord，andbearinmindthatifyoudidnotabdicateinfavouroftherightfulheir，itwasbecauseyouwishedtosavethepeoplefromtheworstmisfortunes。Moreover，\"
continuedthequeen，withthatairofprofoundconvictionthatanunanswerableargumentinspires，\"youhaveremainedkingbytheconsentandauthorityofourHolyFatherthesovereignpontiff，whodisposesofthethroneasafiefbelongingtotheChurch。\"
\"Ihavelongquietedmyscruplesthus，\"repliedthedyingman，\"andthepope’sauthorityhaskeptmesilent;butwhateversecurityonemaypretendtofeelinone’slifetime，thereyetcomesadreadfulsolemnhourwhenallillusionsneedsmustvanish：thishourformehascome，andnowImustappearbeforeGod，theoneunfailingjudge。\"
\"IfHisjusticecannotfail，isnotHismercyinfinite？\"pursuedthequeen，withtheglowofsacredinspiration。\"Evenifthereweregoodreasonforthefearthathasshakenyoursoul，whatfaultcouldnotbeeffacedbyarepentancesonoble？HaveyounotrepairedthewrongyoumayhavedoneyournephewCarobert，bybringinghisyoungersonAndretoyourkingdomandmarryinghimtoJoan，yourpoorCharles’selderdaughter？Willnottheyinherityourcrown？\"
\"Alas！\"criedRobert，withadeepsigh，\"Godispunishingmeperhapsforthinkingtoolateofthisjustreparation。OmygoodandnobleSandra，youtouchachordwhichvibratessadlyinmyheart，andyouanticipatetheunhappyconfidenceIwasabouttomake。Ifeelagloomypresentiment——andinthehourofdeathpresentimentisprophecy——thatthetwosonsofmynephew，Louis，whohasbeenKingofHungarysincehisfatherdied，andAndre，whomIdesiredtomakeKingofNaples，willprovethescourgeofmyfamily。EversinceAndresetfootinourcastle，astrangefatalityhaspursuedandoverturnedmyprojects。IhadhopedthatifAndreandJoanwerebroughtuptogetheratenderintimacywouldarisebetweenthetwochildren;andthatthebeautyofourskies，ourcivilisation，andtheattractionsofourcourtwouldendbysofteningwhateverrudenesstheremightbeintheyoungHungarian’scharacter;butinspiteofmyeffortsallhastendedtocausecoldness，andevenaversion，betweenthebridalpair。Joan，scarcelyfifteen，isfaraheadofherage。Giftedwithabrilliantandmobilemind，anobleandloftycharacter，alivelyandglowingfancy，nowfreeandfrolicsomeasachild，nowgraveandproudasaqueen，trustfulandsimpleasayounggirl，passionateandsensitiveasawoman，shepresentsthemoststrikingcontrasttoAndre，who，afterastayoftenyearsatourcourt，iswilder，moregloomy，moreintractablethanever。Hiscold，regularfeatures，impassivecountenance，andindifferencetoeverypleasurethathiswifeappearstolove，allthishasraisedbetweenhimandJoanabarrierofindifference，evenofantipathy。Tothetenderesteffusionhisreplyisnomorethanascornfulsmileorafrown，andheneverseemshappierthanwhenonapretextofthechasehecanescapefromthecourt。These，then，arethetwo，manandwife，onwhoseheadsmycrownshallrest，whoinashortspacewillfindthemselvesexposedtoeverypassionwhosedullgrowlisnowheardbelowadeceptivecalm，butwhichonlyawaitsthemomentwhenI
breathemylast，toburstforthuponthem。\"
\"OmyGod，myGod！\"thequeenkeptrepeatinginhergrief：herarmsfellbyherside，likethearmsofastatueweepingbyatomb。
\"Listen，DonaSandra。Iknowthatyourhearthasneverclungtoearthlyvanities，andthatyouonlywaittillGodhascalledmetoHimselftowithdrawtotheconventofSantaMariadeltaCroce，foundedbyyourselfinthehopethatyoumightthereendyourdays。
Farbeitfrommetodissuadeyoufromyoursacredvocation，whenI
ammyselfdescendingintothetombandamconsciousofthenothingnessofallhumangreatness。OnlygrantmeoneyearofwidowhoodbeforeyoupassontoyourbridalwiththeLord，oneyearinwhichyouwillwatchoverJoanandherhusband，tokeepfromthemallthedangersthatthreaten。Alreadythewomanwhowastheseneschal’swifeandhersonhavetoomuchinfluenceoverourgrand-
daughter;bespeciallycareful，andamidthemanyinterests，intrigues，andtemptationsthatwillsurroundtheyoungqueen，distrustparticularlytheaffectionofBertrandd’Artois，thebeautyofLouisofTarentum;andtheambitionofCharlesofDurazzo。\"
Thekingpaused，exhaustedbytheeffortofspeaking;thenturningonhiswifeasupplicatingglanceandextendinghisthinwastedhand，headdedinascarcelyaudiblevoice：
\"OnceagainIentreatyou，leavenotthecourtbeforeayearhaspassed。Doyoupromiseme？\"
\"Ipromise，mylord。\"
\"Andnow，\"saidRobert，whosefaceatthesewordstookonanewanimation，\"callmyconfessorandthephysicianandsummonthefamily，forthehourisathand，andsoonIshallnothavethestrengthtospeakmylastwords。\"
Afewmomentslaterthepriestandthedoctorre-enteredtheroom，theirfacesbathed，intears。Thekingthankedthemwarmlyfortheircareofhiminhislastillness，andbeggedthemhelptodresshiminthecoarsegarbofaFranciscanmonk，thatGod，ashesaid，seeinghimdieinpoverty，humility，andpenitence，mightthemoreeasilygranthimpardon。Theconfessoranddoctorplaceduponhisnakedfeetthesandalswornbymendicantfriars，robedhiminaFranciscanfrock，andtiedtheropeabouthiswaist。Stretchedthusuponhisbed，hisbrowsurmountedbyhisscantylocks，withhislongwhitebeard，andhishandscrosseduponhisbreast，theKingofNapleslookedlikeoneofthoseagedanchoriteswhospendtheirlivesinmortifyingtheflesh，andwhosesouls，absorbedinheavenlycontemplation，glideinsensiblyfromouttheirlastecstasyintoeternalbliss。Sometimehelaythuswithclosedeyes，puttingupasilentprayertoGod;thenhebadethemlightthespaciousroomasforagreatsolemnity，andgaveasigntothetwopersonswhostood，oneatthehead，theotheratthefootofthebed。Thetwofoldingdoorsopened，andthewholeoftheroyalfamily，withthequeenattheirheadandthechiefbaronsfollowing，tooktheirplacesinsilencearoundthedyingkingtohearhislastwishes。
HiseyesturnedtowardJoan，whostoodnexthimonhisrighthand，withanindescribablelookoftendernessandgrief。Shewasofabeautysounusualandsomarvellous，thathergrandfatherwasfascinatedbythedazzlingsight，andmistookherforanangelthatGodhadsenttoconsolehimonhisdeathbed。Thepurelinesofherfineprofile，hergreatblackliquideyes，hernoblebrowuncovered，herhairshiningliketheraven’swing，herdelicatemouth，thewholeeffectofthisbeautifulfaceonthemindofthosewhobeheldherwasthatofadeepmelancholyandsweetness，impressingitselfonceandforever。Tallandslender，butwithouttheexcessivethinnessofsomeyounggirls，hermovementshadthatcarelesssupplegracethatrecallthewavingofaflowerstalkinthebreeze。ButinspiteofallthesesmilingandinnocentgracesonecouldyetdiscerninRobert’sheiressawillfirmandresolutetobraveeveryobstacle，andthedarkringsthatcircledherfineeyesplainlyshowedthatherheartwasalreadyagitatedbypassionsbeyondheryears。
BesideJoanstoodheryoungersister，Marie，whowastwelveorthirteenyearsofage，theseconddaughterofCharles，DukeofCalabria，whohaddiedbeforeherbirth，andwhosemother，MarieofValois，hadunhappilybeenlosttoherfromhercradle。Exceedinglyprettyandshy，sheseemeddistressedbysuchanassemblyofgreatpersonages，andquietlydrewneartothewidowofthegrandseneschal，Philippa，surnamedtheCatanese，theprincesses’
governess，whomtheyhonouredasamother。Behindtheprincessesandbesidethisladystoodherson，RobertofCabane，ahandsomeyoungman，proudandupright，whowithhislefthandplayedwithhisslightmoustachewhilehesecretlycastonJoanaglanceofaudaciousboldness。ThegroupwascompletedbyDonaCancha，theyoungchamberwomantotheprincesses，andbytheCountofTerlizzi，whoexchangedwithhermanyafurtivelookandmanyanopensmile。ThesecondgroupwascomposedofAndre，Joan’shusband，andFriarRobert，tutorto，theyoungprince，whohadcomewithhimfromBudapesth，andneverlefthimforaminute。Andrewasatthistimeperhapseighteenyearsold：atfirstsightonewasstruckbytheextremeregularityofhisfeatures，hishandsome，nobleface，andabundantfairhair;butamongalltheseItalianfaces，withtheirvividanimation，hiscountenancelackedexpression，hiseyesseemeddull，andsomethinghardandicyinhislooksrevealedhiswildcharacterandforeignextraction。Histutor’sportraitPetrarchhasdrawnforus：crimsonface，hairandbeardred，figureshortandcrooked;proudinpoverty，richandmiserly;likeasecond，Diogenes，withhideousanddeformedlimbsbarelyconcealedbeneathhisfriar’sfrock。
InthethirdgroupstoodthewidowofPhilip，PrinceofTarentum，theking’sbrother，honouredatthecourtofNapleswiththetitleofEmpressofConstantinople，astyleinheritedbyherasthegranddaughterofBaldwinII。Anyoneaccustomedtosoundthedepthsofthehumanheartwouldatoneglancehaveperceivedthatthiswomanunderherghastlypallorconcealedanimplacablehatred，avenomousjealousy，andanall-devouringambition。Shehadherthreesonsabouther——Robert，PhilipandLouis，theyoungest。Hadthekingchosenoutfromamonghisnephewsthehandsomest，bravest，andmostgenerous，therecanbenodoubtthatLouisofTarentumwouldhaveobtainedthecrown。Attheageoftwenty-threehehadalreadyexcelledthecavaliersofmostrenowninfeatsofarms;honest，loyal，andbrave，henosoonerconceivedaprojectthanhepromptlycarrieditout。Hisbrowshoneinthatclearlightwhichseemsto，serveasahaloofsuccesstonaturessoprivilegedashis;hisfineeyes，ofasoftandvelvetyblack，subduedtheheartsofmenwhocouldnotresisttheircharm，andhiscaressingsmilemadeconquestsweet。Achildofdestiny，hehadbuttousehiswill;somepowerunknown，somebeneficentfairyhadwatchedoverhisbirth，andundertakentosmoothawayallobstacles，gratifyalldesires。
Neartohim，butinthefourthgroup，hiscousinCharlesofDurasstoodandscowled。Hismother，Agnes，thewidowoftheDukeofDurazzoandAlbania，anotheroftheking’sbrothers，lookeduponhimaffrighted，clutchingtoherbreasthertwoyoungersons，Ludovico，CountofGravina，andRobert，PrinceofMorea。Charles，pale-faced，withshorthairandthickbeard，wasglancingwithsuspicionfirstathisdyinguncleandthenatJoanandthelittleMarie，thenagainathiscousins，apparentlysoexcitedbytumultuousthoughtsthathecouldnotstandstill。Hisfeverishuneasinesspresentedamarkedcontrastwiththecalm，dreamyfaceofBertrandd’Artois，who，givingprecedencetohisfatherCharles，approachedthequeenatthefootofthebed，andsofoundhimselffacetofacewithJoan。Theyoungmanwassoabsorbedbythebeautyoftheprincessthatheseemedtoseenothingelseintheroom。
AssoonasJoanandAndre;thePrincesofTarentumandDurazzo，theCountsofArtois，and（queenSanchahadtakentheirplacesroundthebedofdeath，formingasemicircle，aswehavejustdescribed，thevice-chancellorpassedthroughtherowsofbarons，whoaccordingtotheirrangywerefollowingcloselyaftertheprincesoftheblood;
andbowinglowbeforetheking，unfoldedaparchmentsealedwiththeroyalseal，andreadinasolemnvoice，amidaprofoundsilence：
\"Robert，bythegraceofGodKingofSicilyandJerusalem，CountofProvence，Forcalquier，andPiedmont，VicaroftheHolyRomanChurch，herebynominatesanddeclareshissoleheiressinthekingdomofSicilyonthissideandtheothersideofthestrait，asalsointhecountiesofProvence，Forcalquier，andPiedmont，andinall，hisotherterritories，Joan，DuchessofCalabria，elderdaughteroftheexcellentlordCharles，DukeofCalabria，ofillustriousmemory。
Moreover，henominatesanddeclaresthehonourableladyMarie，youngerdaughterofthelateDukeofCalabria，hisheiressinthecountyofAlbaandinthejurisdictionofthevalleyofGratiandtheterritoryofGiordano，withalltheircastlesanddependencies;andordersthattheladythusnamedreceivetheminfiefdirectfromtheaforesaidduchessandherheirs;onthiscondition，however，thatiftheduchessgiveandgranttoherillustrioussisterortoherassignsthesumof10，000ouncesofgoldbywayofcompensation，thecountyandjurisdictionaforesaid——shallremaininthepossessionoftheduchessandherheirs。
\"Moreover，hewillsandcommands，forprivateandsecretreasons，thattheaforesaidladyMarieshallcontractamarriagewiththeveryillustriousprince，Louis，reigningKingofHungary。Andincaseanyimpedimentshouldappeartothismarriagebyreasonof——theunionsaidtobealreadyarrangedandsignedbetweentheKingofHungaryandtheKingofBohemiaandhisdaughter，ourlordthekingcommandsthattheillustriousladyMarieshallcontractamarriagewiththeeldersonofthemightylordDonJuan，DukeofNormandy，himselftheeldersonofthereigningKingofFrance。\"
AtthispointCharlesofDurazzogaveMarieasingularlymeaninglook，whichescapedthenoticeofallpresent，theirattentionbeingabsorbedbythereadingofRobert’swill。Theyounggirlherself，fromthemomentwhenshefirstheardherownname，hadstoodconfusedandthunderstruck，withscarletcheeks，notdaringtoraisehereyes。
Thevice-chancellorcontinued：
\"Moreover，hehaswilledandcommandedthatthecountiesofForcalquierandProvenceshallinallperpetuitybeunitedtohiskingdom，andshallformonesoleandinseparabledominion，whetherornottherebeseveralsonsordaughtersoranyotherreasonofanykindforitspartition，seeingthatthisunionisoftheutmostimportanceforthesecurityandcommonprosperityofthekingdomandcountiesaforesaid。
\"Moreover，hehasdecidedandcommandedthatincaseofthedeathoftheDuchessJoan——whichGodavert！——withoutlawfulissueofherbody，themostillustriouslordAndre，DukeofCalabria，herhusband，shallhavetheprincipalityofSalerno，withthetitlefruits，revenues，andalltherightsthereof，togetherwiththerevenueof2000ouncesofgoldformaintenance。
\"Moreover，hehasdecidedandorderedthattheQueenaboveall，andalsothevenerablefatherDonPhilipofCabassole，BishopofCavaillon，vice-chancellorofthekingdomofSicily，andthemagnificentlordsPhilipofSanguineto，seneschalofProvence，GodfreyofMarsan，CountofSquillace，admiralofthekingdom，andCharlesofArtois，CountofAire，shallbegovernors，regents，andadministratorsoftheaforesaidlordAndreandtheaforesaidladiesJoanandMarie，untilsuchtimeastheduke，theduchess，andtheveryillustriousladyMarieshallhaveattainedtheirtwenty-fifthyear，\"etc。etc。
Whenthevice-chancellorhadfinishedreading，thekingsatup，andglancingrounduponhisfairandnumerousfamily，thusspoke：
\"Mychildren，youhaveheardmylastwishes。Ihavebiddenyoualltomydeathbed，thatyoumayseehowthegloryoftheworldpassesaway。Thosewhommennamethegreatonesoftheearthhavemoredutiestoperform，andafterdeathmoreaccountstorender：itisinthisthattheirgreatnesslies。Ihavereignedthirty-threeyears，andGodbeforewhomIamabouttoappear，Godtowhommysighshaveoftenarisenduringmylongandpainfullife，Godaloneknowsthethoughtsthatrendmyheartinthehourofdeath。SoonshallIbelyinginthetomb，andallthatremainsofmeinthisworldwillliveinthememoryofthosewhoprayforme。ButbeforeIleaveyouforever，you，oh，youwhoaretwicemydaughters，whomIhavelovedwithadoublelove，andyoumynephewswhohavehadfrommeallthecareandaffectionofafather，promisemetobeeverunitedinheartandinwish，asindeedyouareinmylove。Ihavelivedlongerthanyourfathers，Itheeldestofall，andthusnodoubtGodhaswishedtotightenthebondsofyouraffection，toaccustomyoutoliveinonefamilyandtopayhonourtoonehead。Ihavelovedyouallalike，asafathershould，withoutexceptionorpreference。Ihavedisposedofmythroneaccordingtothelawofnatureandtheinspirationofmyconscience：HerearetheheirsofthecrownofNaples;you，Joan，andyou，Andre，willneverforgettheloveandrespectthatareduebetweenhusbandandwife，andmutuallyswornbyyouatthefootofthealtar;andyou，mynephewsall;mybarons，myofficers，renderhomagetoyourlawfulsovereigns;AndreofHungary，LouisofTarentum，CharlesofDurazzo，rememberthatyouarebrothers;woetohimwhoshallimitatetheperfidyofCain！Mayhisbloodfalluponhisownhead，andmayhebeaccursedbyHeavenasheisbythemouthofadyingman;andmaytheblessingoftheFather，theSon，andtheHolySpiritdescenduponthatmanwhoseheartisgood，whentheLordofmercyshallcalltomysoulHimself！\"
Thekingremainedmotionless，hisarmsraised，hiseyesfixedonheaven，hischeeksextraordinarilybright，whiletheprinces，barons，andofficersofthecourtprofferedtoJoanandherhusbandtheoathoffidelityandallegiance。WhenitwastheturnofthePrincesofDurastoadvance，CharlesdisdainfullystalkedpastAndre，andbendinghiskneebeforetheprincess，saidinaloudvoice，ashekissedherhand——
\"Toyou，myqueen，Ipaymyhomage。\"
Alllookswereturnedfearfullytowardsthedyingman，butthegoodkingnolongerheard。Seeinghimfallbackrigidandmotionless，DonaSanchaburstintosobs，andcriedinavoicechokedwithtears\"Thekingisdead;letusprayforhissoul。\"
Attheverysamemomentalltheprinceshurriedfromtheroom，andeverypassionhithertosuppressedinthepresenceofthekingnowfounditsventlikeamightytorrentbreakingthroughitsbanks。
\"LongliveJoan！\"RobertofCabane，LouisofTarentum，andBertrandofArtoiswerethefirsttoexclaim，whiletheprince’stutor，furiouslybreakingthroughthecrowdandapostrophisingthevariousmembersofthecouncilofregency，criedaloudinvaryingtonesofpassion，\"Gentlemen，youhaveforgottentheking’swishalready;youmustcry，’LongliveAndre！’too\";then，weddingexampletoprecept，andhimselfmakingmorenoisethanallthebaronstogether，hecriedinavoiceofthunder——
\"LonglivetheKingofNaples！\"
Buttherewasnoechotohiscry，andCharlesofDurazzo，measuringtheDominicanwithaterriblelook，approachedthequeen，andtakingherbythehand，slidbackthecurtainsofthebalcony，fromwhichwasseenthesquareandthetownofNaples。Sofarastheeyecouldreachtherestretchedanimmensecrowd，illuminatedbystreamsoflight，andthousandsofheadswereturnedupwardtowardsCastelNuovotogatheranynewsthatmightbeannounced。Charlesrespectfullydrawingbackandindicatinghisfaircousinwithhishand，criedout——
\"PeopleofNaples，theKingisdead：longlivetheQueen！\"
\"LongliveJoan，（queenofNaples！\"repliedthepeople，withasinglemightycrythatresoundedthrougheveryquarterofthetown。
TheeventsthatonthisnighthadfollowedeachotherwiththerapidityofadreamhadproducedsodeepanimpressiononJoan’smind，that，agitatedbyathousanddifferentfeelings，sheretiredtoherownrooms，andshuttingherselfupinherchamber，gavefreeventtohergrief。Solongastheconflictofsomanyambitionswagedaboutthetomb，theyoungqueen，refusingeveryconsolationthatwasofferedher，weptbitterlyforthedeathofhergrandfather，whohadlovedhertothepointofweakness。ThekingwasburiedwithallsolemnityinthechurchofSantaChiara，whichhehadhimselffoundedanddedicatedtotheHolySacrament，enrichingitwithmagnificentfrescoesbyGiottoandotherpreciousrelics，amongwhichisshownstill，behindthetribuneofthehighaltar，twocolumnsofwhitemarbletakenfromSolomon’stemple。TherestillliesRobert，representedonhistombinthedressofakingandinamonk’sfrock，ontherightofthemonumenttohissonCharles，theDukeofCalabria。
CHAPTERII
Assoonastheobsequieswereover，Andre’stutorhastilyassembledthechiefHungarianlords，anditwasdecidedinacouncilheldinthepresenceoftheprinceandwithhisconsent，tosendletterstohismother，ElizabethofPoland，andhisbrother，LouisofHungary，tomakeknowntothemthepurportofRobert’swill，andatthesametimetolodgeacomplaintatthecourtofAvignonagainsttheconductoftheprincesandpeopleofNaplesinthattheyhadproclaimedJoanaloneQueenofNaples，thusoverlookingtherightsofherhusband，andfurthertodemandforhimthepope’sorderforAndre’scoronation。FriarRobert，whohadnotonlyaprofoundknowledgeofthecourtintrigues，butalsotheexperienceofaphilosopherandallamonk’scunning，toldhispupilthatheoughttoprofitbythedepressionofspirittheking’sdeathhadproducedinJoan，andoughtnottosufferherfavouritestousethistimeininfluencingherbytheirseductivecounsels。
ButJoan’sabilitytoreceiveconsolationwasquiteasreadyashergriefhadatfirstbeenimpetuousthesobswhichseemedtobebreakingherheartceasedallatonce;newthoughts，moregentle，lesslugubrious，tookpossessionoftheyoungqueen’smind;thetraceoftearsvanished，andasmilelitupherliquideyeslikethesun’srayfollowingonrain。Thischange，anxiouslyawaited，wassoonobservedbyJoan’schamberwoman：shestoletothequeen’sroom，andfallingonherknees，inaccentsofflatteryandaffection，sheofferedherfirstcongratulationstoherlovelymistress。Joanopenedherarmsandheldherinalongembrace;farDonaCanchawasfarmoretoherthanalady-in-waiting;shewasthecompanionofinfancy，thedepositaryofallhersecrets，theconfidanteofhermostprivatethoughts。Onehadbuttoglanceatthisyounggirltounderstandthefascinationshecouldscarcelyfailtoexerciseoverthequeen’smind。Shehadafrankandsmilingcountenance，suchasinspiresconfidenceandcaptivatesthemindatfirstsight。Herfacehadanirresistiblecharm，withclearblueeyes，warmgoldenhair，mouthbewitchinglyturnedupatthecorners，anddelicatelittlechin。Wild，happy，lightofheart，pleasureandlovewerethebreathofherbeing;herdaintyrefinement，hercharminginconstancies，allmadeheratsixteenaslovelyasanangel，thoughatheartshewascorrupt。Thewholecourtwasatherfeet，andJoanfeltmoreaffectionforherthanforherownsister。
\"Well，mydearCancha，\"shemurmured，withasigh，\"youfindmeverysadandveryunhappy！\"
\"Andyoufindme，fairqueen，\"repliedtheconfidante，fixinganadmiringlookonJoan，——\"youfindmejusttheopposite，veryhappythatIcanlayatyourfeetbeforeanyoneelsetheproofofthejoythatthepeopleofNaplesareatthismomentfeeling。Othersperhapsmayenvyyouthecrownthatshinesuponyourbrow，thethronewhichisoneofthenoblestintheworld，theshoutsofthisentiretownthatsoundratherlikeworshipthanhomage;butI，madam，Ienvyyouyourlovelyblackhair，yourdazzlingeyes，yourmorethanmortalgrace，whichmakeeverymanadoreyou。\"
\"Andyetyouknow，myCancha，Iammuchtobepitiedbothasaqueenandasawoman：whenoneisfifteenacrownisheavytowear，andI
havenotthelibertyofthemeanestofmysubjects——Imeaninmyaffections;forbeforeIreachedanagewhenIcouldthinkIwassacrificedtoamanwhomIcanneverlove。\"
\"Yet，madam，\"repliedCanchainamoreinsinuatingvoice，\"inthiscourtthereisayoungcavalierwhomightbyvirtueofrespect，love，anddevotionhavemadeyouforgettheclaimsofthisforeigner，alikeunworthytobeourkingandtobeyourhusband。\"
Thequeenheavedaheavysigh。
\"Whendidyouloseyourskilltoreadmyheart？\"shecried。\"MustI
actuallytellyouthatthisloveismakingmewretched？True，attheveryfirstthisunsanctionedlovewasakeenjoy：anewlifeseemedtowakewithinmyheart;Iwasdrawnon，fascinatedbytheprayers，thetears，andthedespairofthisman，bytheopportunitiesthathismothersoeasilygranted，shewhomIhadalwayslookeduponasmyownmother;Ihavelovedhim……OmyGod，Iamstillsoyoung，andmypastissounhappy。Attimesstrangethoughtscomeintomymind：I
fancyhenolongerlovesme，thatheneverdidloveme;Ifancyhehasbeenledonbyambition，byself-interest，bysomeignoblemotive，andhasonlyfeignedafeelingthathehasneverreallyfelt。
IfeelmyselfacoldnessIcannotaccountfor;inhispresenceIamconstrained，Iamtroubledbyhislook，hisvoicemakesmetremble：I
fearhim;IwouldsacrificeayearofmylifecouldI，neverhavelistenedtohim。\"
Thesewordsseemedtotouchtheyoungconfidantetotheverydepthsofhersoul;ashadeofsadnesscrossedherbrow，hereyelidsdropped，andforsometimesheanswerednothing，showingsorrowratherthansurprise。Then，liftingherheadgently，shesaid，withvisibleembarrassment——
\"Ishouldneverhavedaredtopasssosevereajudgmentuponamanwhommysovereignladyhasraisedaboveothermenbycastinguponhimalookofkindness;butifRobertofCabanehasdeservedthereproachofinconstancyandingratitude，ifhehasperjuredhimselflikeacoward，hemustindeedbethebasestofallmiserablebeings，despisingahappinesswhichothermenmighthaveentreatedofGodthewholetimeoftheirlifeandpaidforthrougheternity。OnemanI
know，whoweepsbothnightanddaywithouthopeorconsolation，consumedbyaslowandpainfulmalady，whenonewordmightyetavailtosavehim，diditcomefromthelipsofmynoblemistress。\"
\"Iwillnothearanotherword，\"criedJoan，suddenlyrising;\"thereshallbenonewcauseforremorseinmylife。Troublehascomeuponmethroughmyloves，bothlawfulandcriminal;alas！nolongerwillI
trytocontrolmyawfulfate，Iwillbowmyheadwithoutamurmur。
Iamthequeen，andImustyieldmyselfupforthegoodofmysubjects。\"
\"Willyouforbidme，madam，\"repliedDonaCanchainakind，affectionatetone——\"willyouforbidmetonameBertrandofArtoisinyourpresence，thatunhappyman，withthebeautyofanangelandthemodestyofagirl？Nowthatyouarequeenandhavethelifeanddeathofyoursubjectsinyourownkeeping，willyoufeelnokindnesstowardsanunfortunateonewhoseonlyfaultistoadoreyou，whostriveswithallhismindandstrengthtobearachancelookofyourswithoutdyingofhisjoy？\"
\"Ihavestruggledhardnevertolookonhim，\"criedthequeen，urgedbyanimpulseshewasnotstrongenoughtoconquer：then，toeffacetheimpressionthatmightwellhavebeenmadeonherfriend’smind，sheaddedseverely，\"Iforbidyoutopronouncehisnamebeforeme;
andifheshouldeverventuretocomplain，IbidyoutellhimfrommethatthefirsttimeIevensuspectthecauseofhisdistresshewillbebanishedforeverfrommypresence。\"
\"Ah，madam，dismissmealso;forIshallneverbestrongenoughtodosohardabidding：theunhappymanwhocannotawakeinyourheartsomuchasafeelingofpitymaynowbestruckdownbyyourselfinyourwrath，forherehestands;hehasheardyoursentence，andcometodieatyourfeet。\"
Thelastwordswerespokeninaloudervoice，sothattheymightbeheardfromoutside，andBertrandofArtoiscamehurriedlyintotheroomandfellonhiskneesbeforethequeen。Foralongtimepasttheyounglady-in-waitinghadperceivedthatRobertofCabanehad，throughhisownfault，losttheloveofJoan;——forhistyrannyhadindeedbecomemoreunendurabletoherthanherhusband’s。
DonaCanchahadbeenquickenoughtoperceivethattheeyesofheryoungmistresswerewonttorestwithakindofmelancholygentlenessonBertrand，ayoungmanofhandsomeappearancebutwithasadanddreamyexpression;sowhenshemadeuphermindtospeakinhisinterests，shewaspersuadedthatthequeenalreadylovedhim。
Still，abrightcolouroverspreadJoan’sface，andherangerwouldhavefallenonbothculpritsalike，wheninthenextroomasoundofstepswasheard，andthevoiceofthegrandseneschal’swidowinconversationwithhersonfellontheearsofthethreeyoungpeoplelikeaclapofthunder。DonaCancha，paleasdeath，stoodtrembling;
Bertrandfeltthathewaslost——allthemorebecausehispresencecompromisedthequeen;Joanonly，withthatwonderfulpresenceofmindshewasdestinedtopreserveinthemostdifficultcrisesofherfuturelife，thrusttheyoungmanagainstthecarvedbackofherbed，andconcealedhimcompletelybeneaththeamplecurtain：shethensignedtoCanchatogoforwardandmeetthegovernessandherson。
Butbeforeweconductintothequeen’sroomthesetwopersons，whomourreadersmayrememberinJoan’strainaboutthebedofKingRobert，wemustrelatethecircumstanceswhichhadcausedthefamilyoftheCatanesetorisewithincrediblerapidityfromthelowestclassofthepeopletothehighestrankatcourt。WhenDonaViolanteofAragon，firstwifeofRobertofAnjou，becamethemotherofCharles，whowaslaterontheDukeofCalabria，anursewassoughtfortheinfantamongthemosthandsomewomenofthepeople。Afterinspectingmanywomenofequalmeritasregardsbeauty，youth;and，health，theprincess’schoicelightedonPhilippa，ayoungCatanese。
woman，thewifeofafishermanofTrapani，andbyconditionalaundress。Thisyoungwoman，asshewashedherlinenonthebankofastream，haddreamedstrangedreams：shehadfanciedherselfsummonedtocourt，weddedtoagreatpersonage，andreceivingthehonoursofagreatlady。ThuswhenshewascalledtoCastelNuovoherjoywasgreat，forshefeltthatherdreamsnowbegantoberealised。Philippawasinstalledatthecourt，andafewmonthsaftershebegantonursethechildthefishermanwasdeadandshewasawidow。MeanwhileRaymondofCabane，themajor-domoofKingCharlesII’shouse，hadboughtanegrofromsomecorsairs，andhavinghadhimbaptizedbyhisownname，hadgivenhimhisliberty;afterwardsobservingthathewasableandintelligent，hehadappointedhimheadcookintheking’skitchen;andthenhehadgoneawaytothewar。
Duringtheabsenceofhispatronthenegromanagedhisownaffairsatthecourtsocleverly，thatinashorttimehewasabletobuyland，houses，farms，silverplate，andhorses，andcouldvieinricheswiththebestinthekingdom;andasheconstantlywonhigherfavourintheroyalfamily，hepassedonfromthekitchentothewardrobe。TheCatanesehadalsodeservedverywellofheremployers，andasarewardforthecareshehadbestowedonthechild，theprincessmarriedhertothenegro，andhe，asaweddinggift，wasgrantedthetitleofknight。
>Fromthisdayforward，RaymondofCabaneandPhilippathelaundressroseintheworldsorapidlythattheyhadnoequalininfluenceatcourt。AfterthedeathofDonaViolante，theCatanesebecametheintimatefriendofDonaSandra，Robert’ssecondwife，whomweintroducedtoourreadersatthebeginningofthisnarrative。
Charles，herfosterson，lovedherasamother，andshewastheconfidanteofhistwowivesinturn，especiallyofthesecondwife，MarieofValois。Andasthequondamlaundresshadintheendlearnedallthemannersandcustomsofthecourt，shewaschosenatthebirthofJoanandhersistertobegovernessandmistressovertheyounggirls，andatthisjunctureRaymondwascreatedmajor-domo。Finally，MarieofValoisonherdeathbedcommendedthetwoyoungprincessestohercare，begginghertolookonthemasherown-daughters。ThusPhilippatheCatanese，honouredinfutureasfostermotheroftheheiresstothethroneofNaples，hadpowertonominateherhusbandgrandseneschal，oneofthesevenmostimportantofficesinthekingdom，，andtoobtainknighthoodforhersons。RaymondofCabanewasburiedlikeakinginamarbletombinthechurchoftheHolySacrament，andtherewasspeedilyjoinedbytwoofhissons。Thethird，Robert，ayouthofextraordinarystrengthandbeauty，gaveupanecclesiasticalcareer，andwashimselfmademajor-domo，histwosistersbeingmarriedtotheCountofMerlizziandtheCountofMorconerespectively。Thiswasnowthestateofaffairs，andtheinfluenceofthegrandseneschal’swidowseemedforeverestablished，whenanunexpectedeventsuddenlyoccurred，causingsuchinjuryasmightwellsufficetoupsettheedificeofherfortunesthathadbeenraisedstonebystonepatientlyandslowly：thisedificewasnowunderminedandthreatenedtofallinasingleday。ItwasthesuddenapparitionofFriarRobert，whofollowedtothecourtofRomehisyoungpupil，whofrominfancyhadbeenJoan’sdestinedhusband，whichthusshatteredallthedesignsoftheCataneseandseriouslymenacedherfuture。Themonkhadnotbeenslowtounderstandthatsolongassheremainedatthecourt，Andrewouldbenomorethantheslave，possiblyeventhevictim，ofhiswife。ThusallFriarRobert’sthoughtswereobstinatelyconcentratedonasingleend，thatofgettingridoftheCataneseorneutralisingherinfluence。Theprince’stutorandthegovernessoftheheiresshadbuttoexchangeoneglance，icy，penetrating，plaintoread：theirlooksmetlikelightningflashesofhatredandofvengeance。TheCatanese，whofeltshewasdetected，lackedcouragetofightthismanintheopen，andsoconceivedthehopeofstrengtheninghertotteringempirebytheartsofcorruptionanddebauchery。Sheinstilledbydegreesintoherpupil’smindthepoisonofvice，inflamedheryouthfulimaginationwithprecociousdesires，sowedinherhearttheseedsofanunconquerableaversionforherhusband，surroundedthepoorchildwithabandonedwomen，andespeciallyattachedtoherthebeautifulandattractiveDonaCancha，whoisbrandedbycontemporaryauthorswiththenameofacourtesan;thensummedupalltheselessonsininfamybyprostitutingJoantoherownson。Thepoorgirl，pollutedbysinbeforesheknewwhatlifewas，threwherwholeselfintothisfirstpassionwithalltheardourofyouth，andlovedRobertofCabanesoviolently，somadly，thattheCatanesecongratulatedherselfonthesuccessofherinfamy，believingthatsheheldherpreysofastinhertoilsthathervictimwouldneverattempttoescapethem。
AyearpassedbybeforeJoan，conqueredbyherinfatuation，conceivedthesmallestsuspicionofherlover’ssincerity。He，moreambitiousthanaffectionate，founditeasytoconcealhiscoldnessunderthecloakofabrotherlyintimacy，ofblindsubmission，andofunswervingdevotion;perhapshewouldhavedeceivedhismistressforalongertimehadnotBertrandofArtoisfallenmadlyinlovewithJoan。
Suddenlythebandagefellfromtheyounggirl’seyes;comparingthetwowiththenaturalinstinctofawomanbelovedwhichnevergoesastray，sheperceivedthatRobertofCabanelovedherforhisownsake，whileBertrandofArtoiswouldgivehislifetomakeherhappy。
Alightfelluponherpast：shementallyrecalledthecircumstancesthatprecededandaccompaniedherearliestlove;andashudderwentthroughheratthethoughtthatshehadbeensacrificedtoacowardlyseducerbytheverywomanshehadlovedmostintheworld，whomshehadcalledbythenameofmother。
Joandrewbackintoherself，andwept-bitterly。Woundedbyasingleblowinallheraffections，atfirsthergriefabsorbedher;then，rousedtosuddenanger，sheproudlyraisedherhead，fornowherlovewaschangedtoscorn。Robert，amazedathercoldandhaughtyreceptionofhim，followingonsogreatalove，wasstungbyjealousyandwoundedpride。Hebrokeoutintobitterreproachandviolentrecrimination，and，lettingfallthemask，onceforalllosthisplaceinJoan’sheart。
Hismotheratlastsawthatitwastimetointerfere：sherebukedherson，accusinghimofupsettingallherplansbyhisclumsiness。
\"Asyouhavefailedtoconquerherbylove，\"shesaid，\"youmustnowsubdueherbyfear。Thesecretofherhonourisinourhands，andshewillneverdaretorebel。SheplainlylovesBertrandofArtois，whoselanguishingeyesandhumblesighscontrastinastrikingmannerwithyourhaughtyindifferenceandyourmasterfulways。ThemotherofthePrincesofTarentum，theEmpressofConstantinople，willeasilyseizeanoccasionofhelpingontheprincess’slovesoastoalienatehermoreandmorefromherhusband：Canchawillbethegobetween，andsoonerorlaterweshallfindBertrandatJoan’sfeet。
Thenshewillbeabletorefuseusnothing。\"
Whileallthiswasgoingon，theoldkingdied，andtheCatanese，whohadunceasinglykeptonthewatchforthemomentshehadsoplainlyforeseen，loudlycalledtoherson，whenshesawBertrandslipintoJoan’sapartment，sayingasshedrewhimafterher——
\"Followme，thequeenisours。\"
Itwasthusthatsheandhersoncametobethere。Joan，standinginthemiddleofthechamber，pallid，hereyesfixedonthecurtainsofthebed，concealedheragitationwithasmile，andtookonestepforwardtowardshergoverness，stoopingtoreceivethekisswhichthelatterbestoweduponhereverymorning。TheCataneseembracedherwithaffectedcordiality，andturning，toherson，whohadkneltupononeknee，said，pointingtoRobert——
\"Myfairqueen，allowthehumblestofyoursubjectstoofferhissincerecongratulationsandtoayhishomageatyourfeet。\"
\"Rise，Robert，\"saidJoan，extendingherhandkindly，andwithnoshowofbitterness。\"Wewerebroughtuptogether，andIshallneverforgetthatinourchildhood——Imeanthosehappydayswhenwewerebothinnocent——Icalledyoumybrother。\"
\"Asyouallowme，madam，\"saidRobert，withanironicalsmile，\"Itooshallalwaysrememberthenamesyouformerlygaveme。\"
\"AndI，\"saidtheCatanese，\"shallforgetthatIspeaktotheQueenofNaples，inembracingoncemoremybeloveddaughter。Come，madam，awaywithcare：youhaveweptlongenough;wehavelongrespectedyourgrief。ItisnowtimetoshowyourselftothesegoodNeapolitanswhoblessHeavencontinuallyforgrantingthemaqueensobeautifulandgood;itistimethatyourfavoursupontheheadsofyourfaithfulsubjects;andmyson，whosurpassesallinhisfidelity，comesfirsttoaskafavourofyou，inorderthathemayserveyouyetmorezealously。\"
JoancastonRobertawitheringlook，and，speakingtotheCatanese，saidwithascornfulair——
\"Youknow，madam，Icanrefuseyoursonnothing。\"
\"Allheasks，\"continuedthelady，\"isatitlewhichishisdue，andwhichheinheritedfromhisfather——thetitleofGrandSeneschaloftheTwoSicilies：Itrust，my，daughter，youwillhavenodifficultyingrantingthis。\"
\"ButImustconsultthecouncilofregency。\"
\"Thecouncilwillhastentoratifythequeen’swishes，\"repliedRobert，handinghertheparchmentwithanimperiousgesture：\"youneedonlyspeaktotheCountofArtois。\"
Andhecastathreateningglanceatthecurtain，whichhadslightlymoved。
\"Youareright，\"saidthequeenatonce;andgoinguptoatableshesignedtheparchmentwithatremblinghand。
\"Now，mydaughter，IhavecomeinthenameofallthecareIbestowedonyourinfancy，ofallthematernalloveIhavelavishedonyou，toimploreafavourthatmyfamilywillrememberforevermore。\"
Thequeenrecoiledone’step，crimsonwithastonishmentandrage;butbeforeshecouldfindwordstoreply，theladycontinuedinavoicethatbetrayednofeeling——
\"IrequestyoutomakemysonCountofEboli。\"
\"Thathasnothingtodowithme，madam;thebaronsofthiskingdomwouldrevolttoamanifIwereonmyownauthoritytoexalttooneofthefirstdignitiesthesonofa——-\"
\"Alaundressandanegro;youwouldsay，madam？\"saidRobert，withasneer。\"BertrandofArtoiswouldbeannoyedperhapsifIhadatitlelikehis。\"
Headvancedasteptowardsthebed，hishanduponthehiltofhissword。
\"Havemercy，Robert！\"criedthequeen，checkinghim：\"Iwilldoallyouask。\"
AndshesignedtheparchmentnaminghimCountofEboli。
\"Andnow，\"Robertwentonimpudently，\"toshowthatmynewtitleisnotillusory，whileyouarebusyaboutsigningdocuments，letmehavetheprivilegeoftakingpartinthecouncilsofthecrown：makeadeclarationthat，subjecttoyourgoodpleasure，mymotherandIaretohaveadeliberativevoiceinthecouncilwheneveranimportantmatterisunderdiscussion。\"
\"Never！\"criedJoan，turningpale。\"PhilippaendRobert，youabusemyweaknessandtreatyourqueenshamefully。InthelastfewdaysI
haveweptandsufferedcontinually，overcomebyaterriblegrief;I
havenostrengthtoturntobusinessnow。Leaveme，Ibeg：Ifeelmystrengthgives，way。\"
\"What，mydaughter，\"criedtheCatanesehypocritically，\"areyoufeelingunwell？Comeandliedownatonce。\"Andhurryingtothebed，shetookholdofthecurtainthatconcealedtheCountofArtois。
Thequeenutteredapiercingcry，andthrewherselfbeforePhilippawiththefuryofalioness。\"Stop！\"shecriedinachokingvoice;
\"taketheprivilegeyouask，andnow，ifyouvalueyourownlife，leaveme。\"
TheCataneseandhersondepartedinstantly，notevenwaitingtoreply，fortheyhadgotalltheywanted;whileJoan，trembling，randesperatelyuptoBertrand，whohadangrilydrawnhisdagger，andwouldhavefallenuponthetwofavouritestotakevengeancefortheinsultstheyhadofferedtothequeen;buthewasverysoondisarmedbythelovelyshiningeyesraisedtohiminsupplication，thetwoarmscastabouthim，andthetearsshedbyJoan：hefellatherfeetandkissedthemrapturously，withnothoughtofseekingexcuseforhispresence，withnowordoflove，foritwasasiftheyhadlovedalways：helavishedthetenderestcaressesonher，driedhertears，andpressedhistremblinglipsuponherlovelyhead。Joanbegantoforgetheranger，hervows，andherrepentance：soothedbythemusicofherlover’sspeech，shereturneduncomprehendingmonosyllables：
herheartbeattillitfeltlikebreaking，andoncemoreshewasfallingbeneathlove’sresistlessspell，whenanewinterruptionoccurred，shakingherroughlyoutofherecstasy;butthistimetheyoungcountwasabletopassquietlyandcalmlyintoaroomadjoining，andJoanpreparedtoreceiveherimportunatevisitorwithsevereandfrigiddignity。
TheindividualwhoarrivedatsoinopportuneamomentwaslittlecalculatedtosmoothJoan’sruffledbrow，beingCharles，theeldestsonoftheDurazzofamily。Afterhehadintroducedhisfaircousintothepeopleastheironlylegitimatesovereign，hehadsoughtonvariousoccasionstoobtainaninterviewwithher，whichinallprobabilitywouldbedecisive。Charleswasoneofthosemenwhotogaintheirendrecoilatnothing;devouredbyragingambitionandaccustomedfromhisearliestyearstoconcealhismostardentdesiresbeneathamaskofcarelessindifference，hemarchedeveronward，plotsucceedingplot，towardstheobjecthewasbentuponsecuring，andneverdeviatedonehair’s-breadthfromthepathhehadmarkedout，butonlyactedwithdoubleprudenceaftereachvictory，andwithdoublecourageaftereachdefeat。Hischeekgrewpalewithjoy;whenhehatedmost，hesmiled;inalltheemotionsofhislife，howeverstrong，hewasinscrutable。HehadsworntositonthethroneofNaples，andlonghadbelievedhimselftherightfulheir，asbeingnearestofkintoRobertofallhisnephews。TohimthehandofJoanwouldhavebeengiven，hadnottheoldkinginhislatterdaysconceivedtheplanofbringingAndrefromHungaryandre-establishingtheelderbranchinhisperson，thoughthathadlongsincebeenforgotten。ButhisresolutionhadneverforamomentbeenweakenedbythearrivalofAndreinthekingdom，orbytheprofoundindifferencewherewithJoan，preoccupiedwithotherpassion，hadalwaysreceivedtheadvancesofhercousinCharlesofDurazzo。
Neithertheloveofawomannorthelifeofamanwasofanyaccounttohimwhenacrownwasweighedintheotherscaleofthebalance。
Duringthewholetimethatthequeenhadremainedinvisible，Charleshadhungaboutherapartments，andnowcameintoherpresencewithrespectfuleagernesstoinquireforhiscousin’shealth。Theyoungdukehadbeenatpainstosetoffhisnoblefeaturesandelegantfigurebyamagnificentdresscoveredwith，goldenfleur-de-lysandglitteringwithpreciousstones。Hisdoubletofscarletvelvetandcapofthesameshowedup——bytheirownsplendourthewarmcolouringofhisskin，whilehisfaceseemedilluminedbyhisblackeyesthatshonekeenasaneagle’s。
Charlesspokelongwithhiscousinofthepeople’senthusiasmonheraccessionandofthebrilliantdestinybeforeher;hedrewahastybuttruthfulsketchofthestateofthekingdom;andwhilehelavishedpraisesonthequeen’swisdom，hecleverlypointedoutwhatreformsweremosturgentlyneededbythecountry;hecontrivedtoputsomuchwarmth，yetsomuchreserve，intohisspeechthathedestroyedthedisagreeableimpressionhisarrivalhadproduced。Inspiteoftheirregularitiesofheryouthandthedepravitybroughtaboutbyherwretchededucation，Joan’snatureimpelledhertonobleaction：whenthewelfareofhersubjectswasconcerned，sheroseabovethelimitationsofherageandsex，and，forgettingherstrangeposition，listenedtotheDukeofDurazzowiththeliveliestinterestandthekindliestattention。Hethenhazardedallusionstothedangersthatbesetayoungqueen，spokevaguelyofthedifficultyindistinguishingbetweentruedevotionandcowardlycomplaisanceorinterestedattachment;hespokeoftheingratitudeofmanywhohadbeenloadedwithbenefits，andhadbeenmostcompletelytrusted。
Joan，whohadjustlearnedthetruthofhiswordsbysadexperience，repliedwithasigh，andafteramoment’ssilenceadded——
MayGod，whomIcalltowitnessfortheloyaltyanduprightnessofmyintentions，mayGodunmaskalltraitorsandshowmemytruefriends！
Iknowthattheburdenlaiduponmeisheavy，andIpresumenotonmystrength，butItrustthatthetriedexperience，ofthosecounsellorstowhommyuncleentrustedme，thesupportofmyfamily，andyourwarmandsincerefriendshipaboveall，mydearcousin，willhelpmetoaccomplishmyduty。\"
\"Mysincerestprayeristhatyoumaysucceed，myfaircousin，andI
willnotdarkenwithdoubtsandfearsatimethatoughttobegivenuptojoy;Iwillnotminglewiththeshoutsofgladnessthatriseonallsidestoproclaimyouqueen，anyvainregretsoverthatblindfortunewhichhasplacedbesidethewomanwhomweallalikeadore，whosesingleglancewouldmakeamanmoreblestthantheangels，aforeignerunworthyofyourloveandunworthyofyourthrone。\"
\"Youforget，Charles，\"saidthequeen，puttingoutherhandasthoughtocheckhiswords，\"Andreismyhusband，anditwasmygrandfather’swillthatheshouldreignwithme。\"
\"Never！\"criedthedukeindignantly;\"heKingofNaples！Nay，dreamthatthetownisshakentoitsveryfoundations，thatthepeopleriseasoneman，thatourchurchbellssoundanewSicilianvespers，beforethepeopleofNapleswillenduretheruleofahandfulofwildHungariandrunkards，adeformedcantingmonk，aprincedetestedbythemevenasyouarebeloved！\"
\"ButwhyisAndreblamed？Whathashedone？\"
\"Whathashedone？Whyisheblamed，madam？Thepeopleblamehimasstupid，coarse，asavage;thenoblesblamehimforignoringtheirprivilegesandopenlysupportingmenofobscurebirth;andI，madam，\"——hereheloweredhisvoice，\"Iblamehimformakingyouunhappy。\"
Joanshudderedasthoughawoundhadbeentouchedbyanunkindhand;
buthidingheremotionbeneathanappearanceofcalm，sherepliedinavoiceofperfectindifference——
\"Youmustbedreaming，Charles;whohasgivenyouleavetosupposeI
amunhappy？\"
\"Donottrytoexcusehim，’mydearcousin，\"repliedCharleseagerly;
\"youwillinjureyourselfwithoutsavinghim。\"
Thequeenlookedfixedlyathercousin，asthoughshewouldreadhimthroughandthroughandfindoutthemeaningofhiswords;butasshecouldnotgivecredencetothehorriblethoughtthatcrossedhermind，sheassumedacompleteconfidenceinhercousin’sfriendship，withaviewtodiscoveringhisplans，andsaidcarelessly——
\"Well，Charles，supposeIamnothappy，whatremedycouldyouoffermethatImightescapemylot？\"
\"Youaskmethat，mydearcousin？Arenotallremediesgoodwhenyousuffer，andwhenyouwishforrevenge？\"
\"Onemustflytothosemeansthatarepossible。Andrewillnotreadilygiveuphispretensions：hehasapartyofhisown，andincaseofopenrupturehisbrothertheKingofHungarymaydeclarewaruponus，andbringruinanddesolationuponourkingdom。\"
TheDukeofDurasfaintlysmiled，andhiscountenanceassumedasinister，expression。
\"Youdonotunderstandme，\"hesaid。
\"Thenexplainwithoutcircumlocution，\"saidthequeen，tryingtoconcealtheconvulsiveshudderthatranthroughherlimbs。
\"Listen，Joan，\"saidCharles，takinghiscousin’shandandlayingituponhisheart：\"canyoufeelthatdagger？\"
\"Ican，\"saidJoan，andsheturnedpale。
\"Onewordfromyou——and——\"
\"Yes？\"
\"To-morrowyouwillbefree。\"
\"Amurder！\"criedJoan，recoilinginhorror：\"thenIwasnotdeceived;itisamurderthatyouhaveproposed。\"
\"Itisanecessity，\"saidthedukecalmly：\"todayIadvise;lateronyouwillgiveyourorders。\"
\"Enough，wretch！Icannottellifyouaremorecowardlyormorerash：cowardly，becauseyourevealacriminalplotfeelingsurethatIshallneverdenounceyou;rash，becauseinrevealingittomeyoucannottellwhatwitnessesareneartohearitall。\"
\"Inanycase，madam，sinceIhaveputmyselfinyourhands，youmustperceivethatIcannotleaveyoutillIknowifImustlookuponmyselfasyourfriendorasyourenemy。\"
\"Leaveme，\"criedJoan，withadisdainfulgesture;\"youinsultyourqueen。\"
\"Youforget，mydearcousin，thatsomedayImayverylikelyhaveaclaimtoyourkingdom。\"
\"Donotforcemetohaveyouturnedoutofthisroom，\"saidJoan，advancingtowardsthedoor。
\"Nowdonotgetexcited，myfaircousin;Iamgoing：butatleastrememberthatIofferedyoumyhandandyourefusedit。RememberwhatIsayatthissolemnmoment：to-dayIamtheguiltyman;somedayperhapsImaybethejudge。\"
Hewentawayslowly，twiceturninghishead，repeatinginthelanguageofsignshismenacingprophecy。Joanhidherfaceinherhands，andforalongtimeremainedplungedindismalreflections;
thenangergotthebetterofallherotherfeelings，andshesummonedDonaCancha，biddinghernottoallowanybodytoenter，onanypretextwhatsoever。
ThisprohibitionwasnotfortheCountofArtois，forthereaderwillrememberthathewasintheadjoiningroom。