CHAPTERIII
Nightfell，andfromtheMolototheMergellina，fromtheCapuanoCastletothehillofSt。Elmo，deepsilencehadsucceededthemyriadsoundsthatgoupfromthenoisiestcityintheworld。CharlesofDurazzo，quicklywalkingawayfromthesquareoftheCorreggi，firstcastingonelastlookofvengeanceattheCastelNuovo，plungedintothelabyrinthofdarkstreetsthattwistandturn，crossandrecrossoneanother，inthisancientcity，andafteraquarterofanhour’swalking，thatwasfirstslow，thenveryrapid，arrivedathisducalpalacenearthechurchofSanGiovannialMare。Hegavecertaininstructionsinaharsh，peremptorytonetoapagewhotookhisswordandcloak。ThenCharlesshuthimselfintohisroom，withoutgoinguptoseehispoormother，whowasweeping，sadandsolitaryoverherson’singratitude，andlikeeveryothermothertakingherrevengebyprayingGodtoblesshim。
TheDukeofDurazzowalkedupanddownhisroomseveraltimeslikealioninacage，countingtheminutesinafeverofimpatience，andwasonthepointofsummoningaservantandrenewinghiscommands，whentwodullrapsonthedoorinformedhimthatthepersonhewaswaitingforhadarrived。Heopenedatonce，andamanofabout。
fifty，dressedinblackfromheadtofoot，entered，humblybowing，andcarefullyshutthedoorbehindhim。Charlesthrewhimselfintoaneasy-chair，andgazingfixedlyatthemanwhostoodbeforehim，hiseyesonthegroundandhisarmscrosseduponhisbreastinanattitudeofthedeepestrespectandblindobedience，hesaidslowly，asthoughweighingeachword——
\"MasterNicholasofMelazzo，haveyouanyremembranceleftoftheservicesIoncerenderedyou？\"
Themantowhomthesewordswereaddressedtrembledineverylimb，asifheheardthevoiceofSatancometoclaimhissoul;thenliftingalookofterrortohisquestioner’sface，heaskedinavoiceofgloom——
\"WhathaveIdone，mylord，todeservethisreproach？\"
\"Itisnotareproach：Iaskasimplequestion。\"
\"Canmylorddoubtforamomentofmyeternalgratitude？CanI
forgetthefavoursyourExcellencyshowedme？EvenifIcouldsolosemyreasonandmymemory，arenotmywifeandsoneverheretoremindmethattoyouweoweallourlife，ourhonour，andourfortune？Iwasguiltyofaninfamousact，\"saidthenotary，loweringhisvoice，\"acrimethatwouldnotonlyhavebroughtuponmyheadthepenaltyofdeath，butwhichmeanttheconfiscationofmygoods，theruinofmyfamily，povertyandshameformyonlyson——thatveryson，sire，forwhomI，miserablewretch，hadwishedtoensureabrilliantfuturebymeansofmyfrightfulcrime：youhadinyourhandstheproofsofthis！
\"Ihavethemstill。\"
\"Andyouwillnotruinme，mylord，\"resumedthenotary，trembling;\"
Iamat，yourfeet，yourExcellency;takemylifeandIwilldieintormentwithoutamurmur，butsavemysonsinceyouhavebeensomercifulastosparehimtillnow;havepityonhismother;mylord，havepity！\"
\"Beassured，\"saidCharles，signingtohimtorise;\"itisnothingtodowithyourlife;thatwillcomelater，perhaps。WhatIwishtoaskofyounowisamuchsimpler，easiermatter。\"
\"Mylord，Iawaityourcommand。\"
\"First，\"saidtheduke，inavoiceofplayfulirony，\"youmustdrawupaformalcontractofmymarriage。\"
\"Atonce，yourExcellency。\"
\"YouaretowriteinthefirstarticlethatmywifebringsmeasdowrythecountyofAlba，thejurisdictionofGratiandGiordano，withallcastles，fiefs，andlandsdependentthereto。\"
\"But，mylord——-\"repliedthepoornotary，greatlyembarrassed。
\"Doyoufindanydifficulty，MasterNicholas？\"
\"Godforbid，yourExcellency，but——-\"
\"Well，whatisit？\"
\"Because，ifmylordwillpermitbecausethereisonlyonepersoninNapleswhopossessesthatdowryyourExcellencymentions。\"
\"Andso？\"
\"Andshe，\"stammeredthenotary，embarrassedmoreandmore，——\"sheisthequeen’ssister。\"
\"AndinthecontractyouwillwritethenameofMarieofAnjou。\"
\"Buttheyoungmaiden，\"repliedNicholastimidly，\"whomyourExcellencywouldmarryisdestined，Ithought，underthewillofourlatekingofblessedmemory，tobecomethewifeoftheKingofHungaryorelseofthegrandsonoftheKingofFrance。\"
\"Ah，Iunderstandyoursurprise：youmaylearnfromthisthatanuncle’sintentionsarenotalwaysthesameashisnephew’s。\"
\"Inthatcase，sire，ifIdared——ifmylordwoulddeigntogivemeleave——ifIhadanopinionImightgive，IwouldhumblyentreatyourExcellencytoreflectthatthiswouldmeantheabductionofaminor。\"
\"Sincewhendidyoulearntobescrupulous，MasterNicholas？\"
Thesewordswereutteredwithaglancesoterriblethatthepoornotarywascrushed，andhadhardlythestrengthtoreply——
\"Inanhourthecontractwillbeready。\"
\"Good：weagreeastothefirstpoint，\"continuedCharles，resuminghisnaturaltoneofvoice。\"Younowwillhearmysecondcharge。YouhaveknowntheDukeofCalabria’svaletforthelasttwoyearsprettyintimately？\"
\"TommasoPace;why，heismybestfriend。\"
\"Excellent。Listen，andrememberthatonyourdiscretionthesafetyorruinofyourfamilydepends。Aplotwillsoonbeonfootgainstthequeen’shusband;theconspiratorsnodoubtwillgainoverAndre’svalet，themanyoucallyourbestfriend;neverleavehimforaninstant，trytobehisshadow;daybydayandhourbyhourcometomeandreporttheprogressoftheplot，thenamesoftheplotters。\"
\"IsthisallyourExcellency’scommand？\"
\"All。\"
Thenotaryrespectfullybowed，andwithdrewtoputtheordersatonceintoexecution。CharlesspenttherestofthatnightwritingtohisuncletheCardinaldePerigord，oneofthemostinfluentialprelatesatthecourtofAvignon。HebeggedhimbeforeallthingstousehisauthoritysoastopreventPopeClementfromsigningthebullthatwouldsanctionAndre’scoronation，andheendedhisletterbyearnestlyentreatinghisuncletowinthepope’sconsenttohismarriagewiththequeen’ssister。
\"Weshallsee，faircousin，\"hesaidashesealedhisletter，\"whichofusisbestatunderstandingwhereourinterestlies。Youwouldnothavemeasafriend，soyoushallhavemeasanenemy。Sleeponinthearmsofyourlover：Iwillwakeyouwhenthetimecomes。I
shallbeDukeofCalabriaperhapssomeday，andthattitle，asyouwellknow，belongstotheheirtothethrone。\"
ThenextdayandonthefollowingdaysaremarkablechangetookplaceinthebehaviourofCharlestowardsAndre：heshowedhimsignsofgreatfriendliness，cleverlyflatteringhisinclinations，andevenpersuadingFriarRobertthat，farfromfeelinganyhostilityinthematterofAndre’scoronation，hismostearnestdesirewasthathisuncle’swishesshouldberespected;andthat，thoughhemighthavegiventheimpressionofactingcontrarytothem，ithadonlybeendonewithaviewtoappeasingthepopulace，whointheirfirstexcitementmighthavebeenstirreduptoinsurrectionagainsttheHungarians。Hedeclaredwithmuchwarmththatheheartilydetestedthepeopleaboutthequeen，whosecounselstendedtoleadherastray，andhepromisedtojoinFriarRobertintheendeavourtogetridofJoan’sfavouritesbyallsuchmeansasfortunemightputathisdisposal。AlthoughtheDominicandidnotbelieveintheleastinthesincerityofhisally’sprotestations，heyetgladlywelcomedtheaidwhichmightprovesousefultotheprince’scause，andattributedthesuddenchangeoffronttosomerecentrupturebetweenCharlesandhiscousin，promisinghimselfthathewouldmakecapitaloutofhisresentment。Bethatasitmight，CharleswormedhimselfintoAndre’sheart，andafterafewdaysoneofthemcouldhardlybeseenwithouttheother。IfAndrewentouthunting，hisgreatestpleasureinlife，Charleswaseagertoputhispackorhisfalconsathisdisposal;ifAndre’rodethroughthetown，Charleswasalwaysamblingbyhisside。
Hegavewaytohiswhims，urgedhimtoextravagances，andinflamedhisangrypassions：inaword，hewasthegoodangel——orthebadone——whoinspiredhiseverythoughtandguidedhiseveryaction。
Joansoonunderstoodthisbusiness，andasafacthadexpectedit。
ShecouldhaveruinedCharleswithasingleword;butshescornedsobasearevenge，andtreatedhimwithuttercontempt。Thusthecourtwassplitintotwofactions：theHungarianswithFriarRobertattheirheadandsupportedbyCharlesofDurazzo;ontheothersideallthenobilityofNaples，ledbythePrincesofTarentum。Joan，influencedbythegrandseneschal’swidowandhertwodaughters，theCountessesofTerlizziandMorcone，andalsobyDonaCanchaandtheEmpressofConstantinople，tookthesideoftheNeapolitanpartyagainstthepretensionsofherhusband。ThepartisansofthequeenmadeittheirfirstcaretohavehernameinscribeduponallpublicactswithoutaddingAndre’s;butJoan，ledbyaninstinctofrightandjusticeamidallthecorruptionofhercourt，hadonlyconsentedtothislastaftershehadtakencounselwithAndred’Isernia，averylearnedlawyeroftheday，respectedasmuchforhisloftycharacterasforhisgreatlearning。Theprince，annoyedatbeingshutoutinthisway，begantoactinaviolentanddespoticmanner。Onhisownauthorityhereleasedprisoners;heshoweredfavoursuponHungarians，andgaveespecialhonoursandrichgiftstoGiovanniPipino，CountofAltanuera，theenemyofallothersmostdreadedanddetestedbytheNeapolitanbarons。ThentheCountsofSanSeverino，Mileto，TerlizziandBalzo，CalanzaroandSant’Angelo，andmostofthegrandees，exasperatedbythehaughtyinsolenceofAndre’sfavourite，whichgreweverydaymoreoutrageous，decidedthathemustperish，andhismasterwithhim，shouldhepersistinattackingtheirprivilegesanddefyingtheiranger。
Moreover，thewomenwhowereaboutJoanatthecourteggedheron，eachoneurgedbyaprivateinterest，inthepursuitofherfreshpassion。PoorJoan，——neglectedbyherhusbandandbetrayedbyRobertofCabane;gavewaybeneaththeburdenofdutiesbeyondherstrengthtobear，andfledforrefugetothearmsofBertrandofArtois，whoseloveshedidnotevenattempttoresist;foreveryfeelingforreligionandvirtuehadbeendestroyedinherownsetpurpose，andheryounginclinationshadbeenearlybenttowardsvice，justasthebodiesofwretchedchildrenarebentandtheirbonesbrokenby。
jugglerswhentheytrainthem。Bertrandhimselffeltanadorationforhersurpassingordinaryhumanpassion。Whenhereachedthesummitofahappinesstowhichinhiswildestdreamshehadneverdaredtoaspire，theyoungcountnearlylosthisreason。Invainhadhisfather，CharlesofArtois（whowasCountofAire，adirectdescendantofPhiliptheBold，andoneoftheregentsofthekingdom），attemptedbysevereadmonitionstostophimwhileyetonthebrinkoftheprecipice：BertrandwouldlistentonothingbuthisloveforJoanandhisimplacablehatredforallthequeen’senemies。
Manyatime，atthecloseofday，asthebreezefromPosilippoorSorrentocomingfromfarawaywasplayinginhishair，mightBertrandbeseenleaningfromoneofthecasementsofCastelNuovo，paleandmotionless，gazingfixedlyfromhissideofthesquaretowheretheDukeofCalabriaandtheDukeofDurazzocamegallopinghomefromtheireveningridesidebysideinacloudofdust。Thenthebrowsoftheyoungcountwereviolentlycontracted，asavage，sinisterlookshoneinhisblueeyesoncesoinnocent，likelightningathoughtofdeathandvengeanceflashedintohismind;hewouldallatoncebegintotremble，asalighthandwaslaiduponhisshoulder;hewouldturnsoftly，fearinglestthedivineapparitionshouldvanishtotheskies;buttherebesidehimstoodayounggirl，withcheeksaflameandheavingbreast，withbrilliantliquideyes：shehadcometotellhowherpastdayhadbeenspent，andtoofferherforeheadforthekissthatshouldrewardherlaboursandunwillingabsence。Thiswoman，dictatoroflawsandadministratorofjusticeamonggravemagistratesandsternministers，wasbutfifteenyearsold;thisman;
whoknewhergriefs，andtoavengethemwasmeditatingregicide，wasnotyettwenty：twochildrenofearth，theplaythingsofanawfuldestiny！
Twomonthsandafewdaysaftertheoldking’sdeath，onthemorningofFridaythe28thofMarchofthesameyear，1343，thewidowofthegrandseneschal，Philippa，who，hadalreadycontrivedtogetforgivenfortheshamefultrickshehadusedtosecureallherson’swishes，enteredthequeen’sapartments，excitedbyagenuinefear，paleanddistracted，thebearerofnewsthatspreadterrorandlamentationthroughoutthecourt：Marie，thequeen’syoungersister，haddisappeared。
Thegardensandoutsidecourtshadbeensearchedforanytraceofher;everycornerofthecastlehadbeenexamined;theguardshadbeenthreatenedwithtorture，soastodragthetruthfromthem;noonehadseenanythingoftheprincess，andnothingcouldbefoundthatsuggestedeitherflightorabduction。Joan，struckdownbythisnewblowinthemidstofothertroubles，wasforatimeutterlyprostrated;then，whenshehadrecoveredfromherfirstsurprise，shebehavedasallpeopledoifdespairtakestheplaceofreason：shegaveordersforwhatwasalreadydonetobedoneagain，sheaskedthesamequestionsthatcouldonlybringthesameanswers，andpouredforthvainregretsandunjustreproaches。Thenewsspreadthroughthetown，causingthegreatestastonishment：therearoseagreatcommotioninthecastle，andthemembersoftheregencyhastilyassembled，whilecouriersweresentoutineverydirection，chargedtopromise12，000ducatstowhomsoevershoulddiscovertheplacewheretheprincesswasconcealed。Proceedingswereatoncetakenagainstthesoldierswhowereonguardatthefortressatthetimeofthedisappearance。
BertrandofArtoisdrewthequeenapart，tellingherhissuspicions，whichfelldirectlyuponCharlesofDurazzo;butJoanlostnotimeinpersuadinghimoftheimprobabilityofhishypothesis：firstofall，CharleshadneveroncesethisfootinCastelNuovosincethedayofhisstormyinterviewwiththequeen，buthadmadeapointofalwaysleavingAndrebythebridgewhenhecametothetownwithhim;
besides，ithadneverbeennoticed，eveninthepast，thattheyoungdukehadspokentoMarieorexchangedlookswithher：theresultofallattainableevidencewas，thatnostrangerhadenteredthecastletheeveningbeforeexceptanotarynamedMasterNicholasofMelazzo，anoldperson，halfsilly，halffanatical，forwhomTommasoPace，valetdechambretotheDukeofCalabria，wasreadytoanswerwithhislife。Bertrandyieldedtothequeen’sreasoning，anddaybydayadvancednewsuggestions，eachlessprobablethanthelast，todrawhismistressontofeelahopethathewasfarfromfeelinghimself。
Butamonthlater，andpreciselyonthemorningofMondaythe30thofApril，astrangeandunexpectedscenetookplace，anexhibitionofboldnesstranscendingallcalculations。TheNeapolitanpeoplewerestupefiedinastonishment，andthegriefofJoanandherfriendswaschangedtoindignation。JustastheclockofSanGiovannistrucktwelve，thegateofthemagnificentpalaceoftheDurazzoflungopenitsfoldingdoors，andtherecameforthtothesoundoftrumpetsadoublefileofcavaliersonrichlycaparisonedhorses，withtheduke’sarmsontheirshields。Theytookuptheirstationroundthehousetopreventthepeopleoutsidefromdisturbingaceremonywhichwastotakeplacebeforetheeyesofanimmensecrowd，assembledsuddenly，asbyamiracle，uponthesquare。Atthebackofthecourtstoodanaltar，anduponthestepslaytwocrimsonvelvetcushionsembroideredwiththefleur-de-lysofFranceandtheducalcrown。
Charlescameforward，cladinadazzlingdress，andholdingbythehandthequeen’ssister，thePrincessMarie，atthattimealmostthirteenyearsofage。Shekneltdowntimidlyononeofthecushions，andwhenCharleshaddonethesame，thegrandalmoneroftheDurashouseaskedtheyoungdukesolemnlywhatwashisintentioninappearingthushumblybeforeaministeroftheChurch。AtthesewordsMasterNicholasofMelazzotookhisplaceontheleftofthealtar，andreadinafirm，clearvoice，first，thecontractofmarriagebetweenCharlesandMarie，andthentheapostoliclettersfromHisHolinessthesovereignpontiff，ClementVI，whoinhisownnameremovingallobstaclesthatmightimpedetheunion，suchastheageoftheyoungbrideandthedegreesofaffinitybetweenthetwoparties，authorisedhisdearlybelovedsonCharles，DukeofDurazzoandAlbania，totakeinmarriagethemostillustriousMarieofAnjou，sisterofJoan，QueenofNaplesandJerusalem，andbestowedhisbenedictiononthepair。
Thealmonerthentooktheyounggirl’shand，andplacingitinthatofCharles，pronouncedtheprayersoftheChurch。Charles，turninghalfroundtothepeople，saidinaloudvoice——
\"BeforeGodandman，thiswomanismywife。\"
\"Andthismanismyhusband，\"saidMarie，trembling。
\"LonglivetheDukeandDuchessofDurazzo！\"criedthecrowd，clappingtheirhands。Andtheyoungpair，atoncemountingtwobeautifulhorsesandfollowedbytheircavaliersandpages，solemnlyparadedthroughthetown，andre-enteredtheirpalacetothesoundoftrumpetsandcheering。
Whenthisincrediblenewswasbroughttothequeen，herfirstfeelingwasjoyattherecoveryofhersister;andwhenBertrandofArtoiswaseagertoheadabandofbaronsandcavaliersandbentonfallinguponthecortegetopunishthetraitor，Joanputupherhandtostophimwithaverymournfullook。
\"Alas！\"shesaidsadly，\"itistoolate。Theyarelegallymarried，fortheheadoftheChurch——whoismoreoverbymygrandfather’swilltheheadofourfamily——hasgrantedhispermission。Ionlypitymypoorsister;Ipityherforbecomingsoyoungthepreyofawretchedmanwhosacrificeshertohisownambition，hopingbythismarriagetoestablishaclaimtothethrone。OGod！whatastrangefateoppressestheroyalhouseofAnjou！Myfather’searlydeathinthemidstofhistriumphs;mymother’ssoquicklyafter;mysisterandI，thesoleoffspringofCharlesI，bothbeforewearewomengrownfallenintothehandsofcowardlymen，whouseusbutasthestepping-stonesoftheirambition！\"Joanfellbackexhaustedonherchair，aburningteartremblingonhereyelid。
\"Thisisthesecondtime，\"saidBertrandreproachfully，\"thatIhavedrawnmyswordtoavengeaninsultofferedtoyou，thesecondtimeI
returnitbyyourorderstothescabbard。Butremember，Joan，thethirdtimewillnotfindmesodocile，andthenitwillnotbeRobertofCabaneorCharlesofDurazzothatIshallstrike，buthimwhoisthecauseofallyourmisfortunes。\"
\"Havemercy，Bertrand！donotyoualsospeakthesewords;wheneverthishorriblethoughttakesholdofme，letmecometoyou：thisthreatofbloodshedthatisdrummedintomyears，thissinistervisionthathauntsmysight;letmecometoyou，beloved，andweepuponyourbosom，beneathyourbreathcoolmyburningfancies，fromyoureyesdrawsomelittlecouragetorevivemyperishingsoul。
Come，Iamquiteunhappyenoughwithoutneedingtopoisonthefuturebyanendlessremorse。Tellmerathertoforgiveandtoforget，speaknotofhatredandrevenge;showmeonerayofhopeamidthedarknessthatsurroundsme;holdupmywaveringfeet，andpushmenotintotheabyss。\"
SuchaltercationsasthiswererepeatedasoftenasanyfreshwrongarosefromthesideofAndreorhisparty;andinproportionastheattacksmadebyBertrandandhisfriendsgainedinvehemence——andwemustadd，injustice——sodidJoan’sobjectionsweaken。TheHungarianrule，asitbecame，moreandmorearbitraryandunbearable，irritatedmen’smindstosuchapoint，thatthepeoplemurmuredinsecretandthenoblesproclaimedaloudtheirdiscontent。Andre’ssoldiersindulgedinalibertinagewhichwouldhavebeenintolerableinaconqueredcity：theywerefoundeverywherebrawlinginthetavernsorrollingaboutdisgustinglydrunkinthegutters;andtheprince，farfromrebukingsuchorgies，wasaccusedofsharingthemhimself。Hisformertutor，whooughttohavefeltboundtodraghimawayfromsoignobleamodeoflife，ratherstrovetoimmersehimindegradingpleasures，soastokeephimoutofbusinessmatters;withoutsuspectingit，hewashurryingonthedenouementoftheterribledramathatwasbeingactedbehindthescenesatCastelNuovo。
Robert’swidow，DonaSanchaofAragon，thegoodandsaintedladywhomourreadersmaypossiblyhaveforgotten，asherfamilyhaddone，seeingthatGod’sangerwashangingoverherhouse，andthatnocounsels，notearsorprayersofherscouldavailtoarrestit，afterwearingmourningforherhusbandonewholeyear，accordingtoherpromise，hadtakentheveilattheconventofSantaMariadeltaCroce，anddesertedthecourtanditsfolliesandpassions，justastheprophetsofold，turningtheirbackonsomeaccursedcity，wouldshakethedustfromofftheirsandalsanddepart。Sandra’sretreatwasasadomen，andsoonthefamilydissensions，longwithdifficultysuppressed，sprangforthtoopenview;thestormthathadbeenthreateningfromafarbrokesuddenlyoverthetown，andthethunderboltwasshortlytofollow。
OnthelastdayofAugust1344，JoanrenderedhomagetoAmeric，CardinalofSaintMartinandlegateofClementVI，wholookeduponthekingdomofNaplesasbeingafiefoftheChurcheversincethetimewhenhispredecessorshadpresentedittoCharlesofAnjou，andoverthrownandexcommunicatedthehouseofSuabia。ForthissolemnceremonythechurchofSaintClarawaschosen，theburial-placeofNeapolitankings，andbutlatelythetombofthegrandfatherandfatheroftheyoungqueen，whoreposedtorightandleftofthehighaltar。Joan，cladintheroyalrobe，withthecrownuponherhead，utteredheroathoffidelitybetweenthehandsoftheapostoliclegateinthepresenceofherhusband，whostoodbehindhersimplyasawitness，justliketheotherprincesoftheblood。Amongtheprelateswiththeirpontificalinsigniawhoformedthebrilliantfollowingoftheenvoy，therestoodtheArchbishopsofPisa，Bari，Capua，andBrindisi，andthereverendfathersUgolino，BishopofCastella，andPhilip，BishopofCavaillon，chancellortothequeen。
AllthenobilityofNaplesandHungarywerepresentatthisceremony，whichdebarredAndrefromthethroneinafashionatonceformalandstriking。Thus，whentheyleftthechurchtheexcitedfeelingsofbothpartiesmadeacrisisimminent，andsuchhostileglances，suchthreateningwordswereexchanged，thattheprince，findinghimselftooweaktocontendagainsthisenemies，wrotethesameeveningtohismother，tellingherthathewasabouttoleaveacountrywherefromhisinfancyupwardshehadexperiencednothingbutdeceitanddisaster。
Thosewhoknowamother’sheartwilleasilyguessthatElizabethofPolandwasnosoonerawareofthedangerthatthreatenedhersonthanshetravelledtoNaples，arrivingtherebeforehercomingwassuspected。RumourspreadabroadthattheQueenofHungaryhadcometotakehersonawaywithher，andtheunexpectedeventgaverisetostrangecomments：thefeverofexcitementnowblazedupinanotherdirection。TheEmpressofConstantinople，theCatanese，hertwodaughters，andallthecourtiers，whosecalculationswereupsetbyAndre’sdeparture，hurriedtohonourthearrivaloftheQueenofHungarybyofferingaverycordialandrespectfulreception，withaviewtoshowingherthat，inthemidstofacourtsoattentiveanddevoted，anyisolationorbitternessoffeelingontheyoungprince’spartmustspringfromhispride，fromanunwarrantablemistrust，andhisnaturallysavageanduntrainedcharacter。Joanreceivedherhusband’smotherwithsomuchproperdignityinherbehaviourthat，inspiteofpreconceivednotions，Elizabethcouldnothelpadmiringthenobleseriousnessandearnestfeelingshesawinherdaughter-in-
law。Tomakethevisitmorepleasanttoanhonouredguest，fetesandtournamentsweregiven，thebaronsvyingwithoneanotherindisplayofwealthandluxury。TheEmpressofConstantinople，theCatanese，CharlesofDurasandhisyoungwife，allpaidtheutmostattentiontothemotheroftheprince。Marie，whobyreasonofherextremeyouthandgentlenessofcharacterhadnoshareinanyintrigues，wasguidedquiteasmuchbyhernaturalfeelingasbyherhusband’sorderswhensheofferedtotheQueenofHungarythosemarksofregardandaffectionthatshemighthavefeltforherownmother。Inspite，however，oftheseprotestationsofrespectandlove，ElizabethofPolandtrembledforherson，and，obeyingamaternalinstinct，chosetoabidebyheroriginalintention，believingthatsheshouldneverfeelsafeuntilAndrewasfarawayfromacourtinappearancesofriendlybutinrealitysotreacherous。Thepersonwhoseemedmostdisturbedbythedeparture，andtriedtohinderitbyeverymeansinhispower，wasFriarRobert。Immersedinhispoliticalschemes，bendingoverhismysteriousplanswithalltheeagernessofagamblerwhoisonthepointofgaining，theDominican，whothoughthimselfontheeveofatremendousevent，whobycunning，patience，andlabourhopedtoscatterhisenemiesandtoreignasabsoluteautocrat，nowfallingsuddenlyfromtheedificeofhisdream，stiffenedhimselfbyamightyefforttostandandresistthemotherofhispupil。ButfearcriedtooloudintheheartofElizabethforallthereasoningsofthemonktolullittorest：toeveryargumentheadvancedshesimplysaidthatwhilehersonwasnotkingandhadnotentireunlimitedpower，itwasimprudenttoleavehimexposedtohisenemies。Themonk，seeingthatallwasindeedlostandthathecouldnotcontendagainstthefearsofthiswoman，askedonlytheboonofthreedays’grace，attheendofwhichtime，shouldareplyhewasexpectinghavenotarrived，hesaidhewouldnotonlygiveuphisoppositiontoAndre’sdeparture，butwouldfollowhimself，renouncingforeveraschemetowhichhehadsacrificedeverything。
Towardstheendofthethirdday，asElizabethwasdefinitelymakingherpreparationsfordeparture，themonkenteredradiant。Showingheraletterwhichhehadjusthastilybrokenopen，hecriedtriumphantly——
\"Godbepraised，madam！Icanatlastgiveyouincontestableproofsofmyactivezealandaccurateforesight。\"
Andre’smother，afterrapidlyrunningthroughthedocument，turnedhereyesonthemonkwithyetsometracesofmistrustinhermanner，notventuringtogivewaytohersuddenjoy。
\"Yes，madam，\"saidthemonk，raisinghishead，hisplainfeatureslightedupbyhisglanceofintelligence——\"yes，madam，youwillbelieveyoureyes，perhaps，thoughyouwouldneverbelievemywords：
thisisnotthedreamofanactiveimagination，thehallucinationofacredulousmind，theprejudiceofalimitedintellect;itisaplanslowlyconceived，painfullyworkedout，mydailythoughtandmywholelife’swork。IhaveneverignoredthefactthatatthecourtofAvignonyoursonhadpowerfulenemies;butIknewalsothatontheverydayIundertookacertainsolemnengagementintheprince’sname，anengagementtowithdrawthoselawsthathadcausedcoldnessbetweenthepopeandRobert;whowasingeneralsodevotedtotheChurch，Iknewverywellthatmyofferwouldneverberejected，andthisargumentofmineIkeptbackforthelast。See，madam，mycalculationsarecorrect;yourenemiesareputtoshameandyoursonistriumphant。\"
ThenturningtoAndre，whowasjustcorninginandstooddumbfounded-
atthethresholdonhearingthelastwords，headded——
\"Come，myson，ourprayersareatlastfulfilledyouareking。\"
\"King！\"repeatedAndre，transfixedwithjoy，doubt，andamazement。
\"KingofSicilyandJerusalem：yes，mylord;thereisnoneedforyoutoreadthisdocumentthatbringsthejoyful，unexpectednews。Youcanseeitinyourmother’stears;sheholdsoutherarmstopressyoutoherbosom;youcanseeitinthehappinessofyouroldteacher;hefallsonhiskneesatyourfeettosaluteyoubythistitle，whichhewouldhavepaidforwithhisownbloodhaditbeendeniedtoyoumuchlonger。\"
\"Andyet，\"saidElizabeth，afteramoment’smournfulreflection，\"ifIobeymypresentiments，yournewswillmakenodifferencetoourplansfordeparture。\"
\"Nay，mother，\"saidAndrefirmly，\"youwouldnotforcemetoquitthecountrytothedetrimentofmyhonour。IfIhavemadeyoufeelsomeofthebitternessandsorrowthathavespoiledmyownyoungdaysbecauseofmycowardly——enemies，itisnotfromapoorspirit，butbecauseIwaspowerless，andknewit，totakeanysortofstrikingvengeancefortheirsecretinsults，theircraftyinjuries，theirunderhandintrigues。Itwasnotbecausemyarmwantedstrength，butbecausemyheadwantedacrown。Imighthaveputanendtosomeofthesewretchedbeings，theleastdangerousmaybe;butitwouldhavebeenstrikinginthedark;theringleaderswouldhaveescaped，andI
shouldneverhavereallygottothebottomoftheirinfernalplots。
SoIhavesilentlyeatenoutmyownheartinshameandindignation。
NowthatmysacredrightsarerecognisedbytheChurch，youwillsee，mymother，howtheseterriblebarons，thequeen’scounsellors，thegovernorsofthekingdom，willlowertheirheadsinthedust：fortheyarethreatenedwithnoswordandnostruggle;nopeeroftheirownishewhospeaks，buttheking;itisbyhimtheyareaccused，bythelawtheyshallbecondemned，andshallsufferonthescaffold。\"
\"Omybelovedson，\"criedthequeenintears，\"Ineverdoubtedyournoblefeelingsorthejusticeofyourclaims;butwhenyourlifeisindanger，towhatvoicecanIlistenbutthevoiceoffear？whatcanmovemycounselsbutthepromptingsoflove？\"
\"Mother，believeme，ifthehandsandheartsalikeofthesecowardshadnottrembled，youwouldhavelostyoursonlongago。\"
\"ItisnotviolencethatIfear，myson，itistreachery。\"
\"Mylife，likeeveryman’s，belongstoGod，andthelowestofsbirrimaytakeitasIturnthecornerofthestreet;butakingowessomethingtohispeople。\"
ThepoormotherlongtriedtobendtheresolutionofAndrebyreasonandentreaties;butwhenshehadspokenherlastwordandshedherlasttear，shesummonedBertramdeBaux，chief-justiceofthekingdom，andMarie，DuchessofDurazzo。Trustingintheoldman’swisdomandthegirl’sinnocence，shecommendedhersontotheminthetenderestandmostaffectingwords;thendrawingfromherownhandaringrichlywrought，andtakingtheprinceaside，sheslippedituponhisfinger，sayinginavoicethattrembledwithemotionasshepressedhimtoherheart——
\"Myson，asyourefusetocomewithme，hereisawonderfultalisman，whichIwouldnotusebeforethelastextremity。Solongasyouwearthisringonyourfinger，neitherswordnorpoisonwillhavepoweragainstyou。\"
\"Youseethen，mother，\"saidtheprince，smiling，\"withthisprotectionthereisnoreasonatalltofearformylife。\"
Thereareotherdangersthanswordorpoison，\"sighedthequeen。
\"Becalm，mother：thebestofalltalismansisyourprayertoGodforme：itisthetenderthoughtofyouthatwillkeepmeforeverinthepathofdutyandjustice;yourmaternallovewillwatchovermefromafar，andcovermelikethewingsofaguardianangel。\"
Elizabethsobbedassheembracedherson，andwhenshelefthimshefeltherheartwasbreaking。Atlastshemadeuphermindtogo，andwasescortedbythewholecourt，whohadneverchangedtowardsherforamomentintheirchivalrousandrespectfuldevotion。Thepoormother，pale，trembling，andfaint，leanedheavilyuponAndre’sarm，lestsheshouldfall。Ontheshipthatwastotakeherforeverfromherson，shecastherarmsforthelasttimeabouthisneck，andtherehungalongtime，speechless，tearless，andmotionless;whenthesignalfordeparturewasgiven，herwomentookherintheirarmshalfswooning。Andrestoodontheshorewiththefeelingofdeathathisheart：hiseyeswerefixeduponthesailthatcarriedeverfartherfromhimtheonlybeinghelovedintheworld。Suddenlyhefanciedhebeheldsomethingwhitemovingalongwayoff：hismotherhadrecoveredhersensesbyagreateffort，andhaddraggedherselfuptothebridgetogivealastsignaloffarewell：theunhappyladyknewtoowellthatshewouldneverseehersonagain。
AtalmostthesamemomentthatAndre’smotherleftthekingdom，theformerqueenofNaples，Robert’swidow，DonaSancha，breathedherlastsigh。ShewasburiedintheconventofSantaMariadeltaCroce，underthenameofClara，whichshehadassumedontakinghervowsasanun，asherepitaphtellsus，asfollows：
\"Herelies，anexampleofgreathumility，thebodyofthesaintedsisterClara，ofillustriousmemory，otherwiseSancha，QueenofSicilyandJerusalem，widowofthemostsereneRobert，KingofJerusalemandSicily，who，afterthedeathofthekingherhusband，whenshehadcompletedayearofwidowhood，exchangedgoodstemporaryforgoodseternal。AdoptingfortheloveofGodavoluntarypoverty，anddistributinghergoodstothepoor，shetookuponhertheruleofobedienceinthiscelebratedconventofSantaCroce，theworkofherownhands，intheyear1344，onthegistofJanuaryofthetwelfthindiction，where，livingalifeofholinessundertheruleoftheblessedFrancis，fatherofthepoor，sheendedherdaysreligiouslyintheyearofourLord1345，onthe28thofJulyofthethirteenthindiction。Onthedayfollowingshewasburiedinthistomb。\"
ThedeathofDonaSanchaservedtohastenonthecatastrophewhichwastostainthethroneofNapleswithblood：onemightalmostfancythatGodwishedtosparethisangelofloveandresignationthesightofsoterribleaspectacle;thatsheoffered-herselfasapropitiatorysacrificetoredeemthecrimesofherfamily。
CHAPTERIV
Eightdaysafterthefuneraloftheoldqueen，BertrandofArtoiscametoJoan，distraught，dishevelled，inastateofagitationandconfusionimpossibletodescribe。
Joanwentquicklyuptoherlover，askinghimwithalookoffeartoexplainthecauseofhisdistress。
\"Itoldyou，madam，\"criedtheyoungbaronexcitedly，\"youwillendbyruiningusall，asyouwillnevertakeanyadvicefromme。\"
\"ForGod’ssake，Bertrand，speakplainly：whathashappened？WhatadvicehaveIneglected？\"
\"Madam，yournoblehusband，AndreofHungary，hasjustbeenmadeKingofJerusalemandSicily，andacknowledgedbythecourtofAvignon，sohenceforthyouwillbenobetterthanhisslave。\"
\"CountofArtois，youaredreaming。\"
\"No，madam，Iamnotdreaming：Ihavethisfacttoprovethetruthofmywords，thatthepope’sambassadorsarearrivedatCapuawiththebullforhiscoronation，andiftheydonotenterCastelNuovothisveryevening，thedelayisonlytogivethenewkingtimetomakehispreparations。\"
Thequeenbentherheadasifathunderbolthadfallenatherfeet。
\"WhenItoldyoubefore，\"saidthecount，withgrowingfury，\"thatweoughttouseforcetomakeastandagainsthim，thatweoughttobreaktheyokeofthisinfamoustyrannyandgetridofthemanbeforehehadthemeansofhurtingyou，youalwaysdrewbackinchildishfear，withawoman’scowardlyhesitation。\"
Joanturnedatearfullookuponherlover。
\"God，myGod！\"shecried，claspingherhandsindesperation，\"amItohearforeverthisawfulcryofdeath！Youtoo，Bertrand，youtoosaytheword，likeRobertofCabane，likeCharlesofDuras？Wretchedman，whywouldyouraisethisbloodyspectrebetweenus，tocheckwithicyhandouradulterouskisses？Enoughofsuchcrimes;ifhiswretchedambitionmakeshimlongtoreign，lethimbeking：whatmattershispowertome，ifheleavesmewithyourlove？\"
\"Itisnotsosurethatourlovewilllastmuchlonger。\"
\"Whatisthis，Bertrand？Yourejoiceinthismercilesstorture。\"
\"Itellyou，madam，thattheKingofNapleshasablackflagready，andonthedayofhiscoronationitwillbecarriedbeforehim。\"
\"Andyoubelieve，\"saidJoan，paleasacorpseinitsshroud，——\"youbelievethatthisflagisathreat？\"
\"Ay，andthethreatbeginstobeputinexecution。\"
Thequeenstaggered，andleanedagainstatabletosaveherselffromfalling。
\"Tellmeall，\"shecriedinachokingvoice;\"fearnottoshockme;
see，Iamnottrembling。OBertrand，Ientreatyou！\"
\"Thetraitorshavebegunwiththemanyoumostesteemed，thewisestcounsellorofthecrown，thebestofmagistrates，thenoblest-
hearted，mostrigidlyvirtuous————-\"
\"AndreaofIsernia！\"
\"Madam，heisnomore。\"
Joanutteredacry，asthoughthenobleoldmanhadbeenslainbeforehereyes：sherespectedhimasafather;then，sinkingback，sheremainedprofoundlysilent。
\"Howdidtheykillhim？\"sheaskedatlast，fixinghergreateyesinterroronthecount。
\"Yesterdayevening，asheleftthiscastle，onthewaytohisownhome，amansuddenlysprangoutuponhimbeforethePortaPetruccia：
itwasoneofAndre’sfavourites，ConradofGottischosennodoubtbecausehehadagrievanceagainsttheincorruptiblemagistrateonaccountofsomesentencepassedagainsthim，andthemurderwouldthereforebeputdowntomotivesofprivaterevenge。Thecowardlywretchgaveasigntotwoorthreecompanions，whosurroundedthevictimandrobbedhimofallmeansofescape。Thepooroldmanlookedfixedly，——athisassassin，andaskedhimwhathewanted。
’Iwantyoutoloseyourlifeatmyhands，asIlostmycaseatyours！’criedthemurderer;andleavinghimnotimetoanswer，heranhimthroughwithhissword。Thentherestfelluponthepoorman，whodidnoteventrytocallforhelp，andhisbodywasriddledwithwoundsandhorriblymutilated，andthenleftbathedinitsblood。\"
\"Terrible！\"murmuredthequeen，coveringherface。
\"Itwasonlytheirfirsteffort：theproscriptionlistsarealreadyfull：AndremustneedshavebloodtocelebratehisaccessiontothethroneofNaples。Anddoyouknow，Joan，whosenamestandsfirstinthedoomedlist？\"
\"Whose？\"criedthequeen，shudderingfromheadtofoot。
\"Mine，\"saidthecountcalmly。
\"Yours！\"criedJoan，drawingherselfuptoherfullheight;\"areyoutobekillednext！Oh，becareful，Andre;youhavepronouncedyourowndeath-sentence。LonghaveIturnedasidethedaggerpointingtoyourbreast，butyouputanendtoallmypatience。Woetoyou，PrinceofHungary！thebloodwhichyouhavespiltshallfallonyourownhead。\"
Asshespokeshehadlostherpallor：herlovelyfacewasfiredwithrevenge，hereyesflashedlightning。Thischildofsixteenwasterribletobehold：shepressedherlover’shandwithconvulsivetenderness，andclungtohimasifshewouldscreenhimwithherownbody。
\"Yourangerisawakenedtoolate，\"saidhegentlyandsadly;foratthismomentJoanseemedsolovelythathecouldreproachherwithnothing。\"You’donotknowthathismotherhaslefthimatalismanpreservinghimfromswordandpoison？\"
\"Hewilldie，\"saidJoanfirmly：thesmilethatlightedupherfacewassounnaturalthatthecountwasdismayed，anddroppedhiseyes。
ThenextdaytheyoungQueenofNaples，lovelier，moresmilingthanever，sittingcarelesslyinagracefulattitudebesideawindowwhichlookedoutonthemagnificentviewofthebay，wasbusyweavingacordofsilkandgold。Thesunhadrunnearlytwo-thirdsofhisfierycourse，andwasgraduallysinkinghisraysintheclearbluewaterswherePosilippo’sheadisreflectedwithitsgreenandflowerycrown。Awarm，balmybreezethathadpassedovertheorangetreesofSorrentoandAmalfifeltdeliciouslyrefreshingtotheinhabitantsofthecapital，whohadsuccumbedtotorporintheenervatingsoftnessoftheday。Thewholetownwaswakingfromalongsiesta，breathingfreelyafterasleepyinterval：theMolowascoveredwithacrowdofeagerpeopledressedoutinthebrightestcolours;themanycriesofafestival，joyoussongs，lovedittiessoundedfromallquartersofthevastamphitheatre，whichisoneofthechiefmarvelsofcreation：
theycametotheearsofJoan，andshelistenedasshebentoverherwork，absorbedindeepthought。Suddenly，whensheseemedmostbusilyoccupied，theindefinablefeelingofsomeonenearathand，andthetouchofsomethingonhershoulder，madeherstart：sheturnedasthoughwakedfromadreambycontactwithaserpent，andperceivedherhusband，magnificentlydressed，carelesslyleaningagainstthebackofherchair。Foralongtimepasttheprincehadnotcometohiswifeinthisfamiliarfashion，andtothequeenthepretenceofaffectionandcarelessbehaviourauguredill。AndredidnotappeartonoticethelookofhatredandterrorthathadescapedJoaninspiteofherself，andassumingthebestexpressionofgentlenessasthathisstraighthardfeaturescouldcontrivetoputoninsuchcircumstancesasthese，hesmilinglyasked——
\"Whyareyoumakingthisprettycord，deardutifulwife？\"
\"Tohangyouwith，mylord，\"repliedthequeen，withasmile。
Andreshruggedhisshoulders，seeinginthethreatsoincrediblyrashnothingmorethanapleasantryinratherbadtaste。ButwhenhesawthatJoanresumedherwork，hetriedtorenewtheconversation。
\"Iadmit，\"hesaid，inaperfectlycalmvoice，\"thatmyquestionisquiteunnecessary：fromyoureagernesstofinishthishandsomepieceofwork，Ioughttosuspectthatitisdestinedforsomefineknightofyourswhomyouproposetosendonadangerousenterprisewearingyourcolours。Ifso，myfairqueen，Iclaimtoreceivemyordersfromyourlips：appointthetimeandplaceforthetrial，andIamsurebeforehandofcarryingoffaprizethatIshalldisputewithallyouradorers。\"
\"Thatisnotsocertain，\"saidJoan，\"ifyouareasvaliantinwarasinlove。\"Andshecastonherhusbandalookatonceseductiveandscornful，beneathwhichtheyoungmanblusheduptohiseyes。
\"Ihope，\"saidAndre，repressinghisfeelings，\"Ihopesoontogiveyousuchproofsofmyaffectionthatyouwillneverdoubtitagain。\"
\"Andwhatmakesyoufancythat，mylord？\"
\"Iwouldtellyou，ifyouwouldlistenseriously。\"
\"Iamlistening。\"
\"Well，itisadreamIhadlastnightthatgivesmesuchconfidenceinthefuture。\"
\"Adream！Yousurelyoughttoexplainthat。\"
\"Idreamedthattherewasagrandfeteinthetown：animmensecrowdfilledthestreetslikeanoverflowingtorrent，andtheheavenswereringingwiththeirshoutsofjoy;thegloomygranitefacadeswerehiddenbyhangingsofsilkandfestoonsofflowers，thechurchesweredecoratedasthoughforsomegrandceremony。Iwasridingsidebysidewithyou。\"Joanmadeahaughtymovement：\"Forgiveme，madam，itwasonlyadream：Iwasonyourright，ridingafinewhitehorse，magnificentlycaparisoned，andthechief-justiceofthekingdomcarriedbeforemeaflagunfoldedinsignofhonour。Afterridingintriumphthroughthemainthoroughfaresofthecity，wearrived，tothesoundoftrumpetsandclarions，attheroyalchurchofSaintClara，whereyourgrandfatherandmyuncleareburied，andthere，beforethehighaltar，thepope’sambassadorlaidyourhandinmineandpronouncedalongdiscourse，andthenonourtwoheadsinturnplacedthecrownofJerusalemandSicily;afterwhichthenoblesandthepeopleshoutedinonevoice，’LonglivetheKingandQueenofNaples！’AndI，wishingtoperpetuatethememoryofsogloriousaday，proceededtocreateknightsamongthemostzealousinourcourt。\"
\"Anddoyounotrememberthenamesofthechosenpersonswhomyoujudgedworthyofyourroyalfavours？\"
\"Assuredly，madam：Bertrand，CountofArtois\"
\"Enough，mylord;Iexcuseyoufromnamingtherest：Ialwayssupposedyouwereloyalandgenerous，butyougivemefreshproofofitbyshowingfavourtomenwhomImosthonourandtrust。Icannottellifyourwishesarelikelysoontoberealised，butinanycasefeelsureofmyperpetualgratitude。\"
Joan’svoicedidnotbetraytheslightestemotion;herlookhadbecamekind，andthesweetestsmilewasonherlips。ButinherheartAndre’sdeathwasfromthatmomentdecidedupon。Theprince，toomuchpreoccupiedwithhisownprojectsofvengeance，andtooconfidentinhisall-powerfultalismanandhispersonalvalour，hadnosuspicionthathisplanscouldbeanticipated。Heconversedalongtimewithhiswifeinachatting，friendlyway，tryingtospyouthersecret，andexposinghisownbyhisinterruptedphrasesandmysteriousreserves。Whenhefanciedthateverycloudofformerresentment，eventhelightest，haddisappearedfromJoan’sbrow，hebeggedhertogowithhersuiteonamagnificenthuntingexpeditionthathewasorganisingforthe20thofAugust，addingthatsuchakindnessonherpartwouldbeforhimasurepledgeoftheirreconciliationandcompleteforgetfulnessofthepast。Joanpromisedwithacharminggrace，andtheprinceretiredfullysatisfiedwiththeinterview，carryingwithhimtheconvictionthathehadonlytothreatentostrikeablowatthequeen’sfavouritetoensureherobedience，perhapsevenherlove。
Butontheeveofthe20thofAugustastrangeandterriblescenewasbeingenactedinthebasementstoreyofoneofthelateraltowersofCastelNuovo。CharlesofDurazzo，whohadneverceasedtobroodsecretlyoverhisinfernalplans，hadbeeninformedbythenotarywhomhehadchargedtospyupontheconspirators，thatonthatparticulareveningtheywereabouttoholdadecisivemeeting，andtherefore，wrappedinablackcloak，heglidedintotheundergroundcorridorandhidhimselfbehindapillar，theretoawaittheissueoftheconference。Aftertwodreadfulhoursofsuspense，everysecondmarkedoutbythebeatingofhisheart，Charlesfanciedheheardthesoundofadoorverycarefullyopened;thefeeblerayofalanterninthevaultscarcelyservedtodispelthedarkness，butamancoiningawayfromthewallapproachedhimwalkinglikealivingstatue。
Charlesgaveaslightcough，thesignagreedupon。Themanputouthidlightandhidawaythedaggerhehaddrawnincaseofasurprise。
\"Isityou，MasterNicholas？\"askedthedukeinalowvoice。
\"ItisI，mylord。\"
\"Whatisit？\"
\"Theyhavejustfixedtheprince’sdeathfortomorrow，onhiswaytothehunt。\"
\"Didyourecogniseeveryconspirator？\"
\"Everyone，thoughtheirfacesweremasked;whentheygavetheirvotefordeath，Iknewthembytheirvoices。\"
\"Couldyoupointouttomewhotheyare？\"
\"Yes，thisveryminute;theyaregoingtopassalongattheendofthiscorridor。Andsee，hereisTommasoPacewalkinginfrontofthemtolighttheirway。\"
Indeed，atallspectralfigure，blackfromheadtofoot，hisfacecarefullyhiddenunderavelvetmask，walkedattheendofthecorridor，lampinhand，andstoppedatthefirststepofastaircasewhichledtotheupperfloors。Theconspiratorsadvancedslowly，twobytwo，likeaprocessionofghosts，appearedforonemomentinthecircleoflightmadebythetorch，andagaindisappearedintoshadow。
\"See，thereareCharlesandBertrandof’Artois，\"saidthenotary;\"
therearetheCountsofTerlizziandCatanzaro;thegrandadmiralandgrandseneschal，GodfreyofMarsan，CountofSquillace，andRobertofCabane，CountofEboli;thetwowomentalkinginalowvoicewiththeeagergesticulationsareCatherineofTarentum，EmpressofConstantinople，andPhilippatheCatanese，thequeen’sgovernessandchieflady;thereisDonaCancha，chamberwomanandconfidanteofJoan;andthereistheCountessofMorcone。\"
Thenotarystoppedonbeholdingashadowalone，itsheadbowed，witharmshangingloosely，chokingbackhersobsbeneathahoodofblack。
\"Whoisthewomanwhoseemstodragherselfsopainfullyalongintheirtrain？\"askedtheduke，pressinghiscompanion’sarm。
Thatwoman，\"saidthenotary，\"isthequeen。\"\"Ah，nowIsee，\"
thoughtCharles，breathingfreely，withthesamesortofsatisfactionthatSatannodoubtfeelswhenalongcovetedsoulfallsatlengthintohispower。
\"Andnow，mylord，\"continuedMasterNicholas，whenallhadreturnedoncemoreintosilenceanddarkness，\"ifyouhavebiddenmespyontheseconspiratorswithaviewtosavingtheyoungprinceyouareprotectingwithloveandvigilance，youmusthurryforward，forto-
morrowmaybeitwillbetoolate。\"
\"Followme，\"criedthedukeimperiously;\"itistimeyoushouldknowmyrealintention，andthencarryoutmyorderswithscrupulousexactness。\"
Withthesewordshedrewhimasidetoaplaceoppositetowheretheconspiratorshadjustdisappeared。Thenotarymechanicallyfollowedthroughalabyrinthofdarkcorridorsandsecretstaircases，quiteatalosshowtoaccountforthesuddenchangethathadcomeoverhismaster——crossingoneoftheante-chambersinthecastle，theycameuponAndre，whojoyfullyaccostedthem;graspingthehandofhiscousinDurasinhisaffectionatemanner，heaskedhiminapressingwaythatwouldbrooknorefusal，\"Willyoubeofourhuntingpartyto-morrow，duke？\"
\"Excuseme，mylord，\"saidCharles，bowingdowntotheground;\"itwillbeimpossibleformetogoto-morrow，formywifeisveryunwell;butIentreatyoutoacceptthebestfalconIhave。\"
Andherehecastuponthenotaryapetrifyingglance。
Themorningofthe20thofAugustwasfineandcalm——theironyofnaturecontrastingcruellywiththefateofmankind。Frombreakofdaymastersandvalets，pagesandknights，princesandcourtiers，allwereonfoot;criesofjoywereheardoneverysidewhenthequeenarrived，onasnow-whitehorse，attheheadoftheyoungandbrilliantthrong。Joanwasperhapspalerthanusual，butthatmightbebecauseshehadbeenobligedtoriseveryearly。Andre，mountedononeofthemostfieryofallthesteedshehadtamed，gallopedbesidehiswife，nobleandproud，happyinhisownpowers，hisyouth，andthethousandgildedhopesthatabrilliantfutureseemedtooffer。NeverhadthecourtofNaplesshownsobraveanaspect：everyfeelingofdistrustandhatredseemedentirelyforgotten;FriarRoberthimself，suspiciousashewasbynature，whenhesawthejoyouscavalcadegobyunderhiswindow，lookedoutwithpride，andstrokinghisbeard，laughedathisownseriousness。
Andre’sintentionwastospendseveraldayshuntingbetweenCapuaandAversa，andonlytoreturntoNapleswhenallwasinreadinessforhiscoronation。ThusthefirstdaytheyhuntedroundaboutMelito，andwentthroughtwoorthreevillagesinthelandofLabore。
TowardseveningthecourtstoppedatAversa，withaviewtopassingthenightthere，andsinceatthatperiodtherewasnocastleintheplaceworthyofentertainingthequeenwithherhusbandandnumerouscourt，theconventofSt。Peter’satMajellawasconvertedintoaroyalresidence：thisconventhadbeenbuiltbyCharlesIIintheyearofourLord1309。
WhilethegrandseneschalwasgivingordersforsupperandthepreparationofaroomforAndreandhiswife，theprince，whoduringthewholedayhadabandonedhimselfentirelytohisfavouriteamusement，wentupontheterracetoenjoytheeveningair，accompaniedbythegoodIsolda，hisbelovednurse，wholovedhimmoreeventhanhismother，andwouldnotleavehissideforamoment。
Neverhadtheprinceappearedsoanimatedandhappy：hewasinecstasiesoverthebeautyofthecountry，theclearair，thescentofthetreesaround;hebesiegedhisnursewithathousandqueries，neverwaitingforananswer;andtheywereindeedlongincoming，forpoorIsoldawasgazinguponhimwiththatappearanceoffascinationwhichmakesamotherabsent-mindedwhenherchildistalking：Andrewaseagerlytellingheraboutaterribleboarhehadchasedthatmorningacrossthewoods，howithadlainfoamingathisfeet，andIsoldainterruptedhimtosayhehadagrainofdustinhiseye。
ThenAndrewasfullofhisplansforthefuture，andIsoldastrokedhisfairhair，remarkingthathemustbefeelingverytired。Then，heedingnothingbuthisownjoyandexcitement，theyoungprincehurleddefianceatdestiny，callingbyallhisgodsondangerstocomeforward，sothathemighthavethechanceofquellingthem，andthepoornurseexclaimed，inafloodoftears，\"Mychild，youlovemenolonger。\"
Outofallpatiencewiththeseconstantinterruptions，Andrescoldedherkindlyenough，andmockedatherchildishfears。Then，payingnoattentiontoasortofmelancholythatwascomingoverhim，hebadehertellhimoldtalesofhischildhood，andhadalongtalkabouthisbrotherLouis，hisabsentmother，andtearswereinhiseyeswhenherecalledherlastfarewell。Isoldalistenedjoyfully，andansweredallheasked;butnofellpresentimentshookherheart：thepoorwomanlovedAndrewithallthestrengthofhersoul;forhimshewouldhavegivenupherlifeinthisworldandintheworldtocome;
yetshewasnothismother。
Whenallwasready，RobertofCabanecametotelltheprincethatthequeenawaitedhim;Andrecastonelastlookatthesmilingfieldsbeneaththestarryheavens，pressedhisnurse’shandtohislipsandtohisheart，andfollowedthegrandseneschalslowlyand，itseemed，withsomeregret。Butsoonthebrilliantlightsoftheroom，thewinethatcirculatedfreely，thegaytalk，theeagerrecitalsofthatday’sexploits，servedtodispersethecloudofgloomthathadforamomentoverspreadthecountenanceoftheprince。Thequeenalone，leaningonthetable，withfixedeyesandlipsthatnevermoved，satatthisstrangefeastpaleandcoldasabalefulghostsummonedfromthetombtodisturbthejoyoftheparty。Andre，whosebrainbegantobeaffectedbythedraughtsofwinefromCapriandSyracuse，wasannoyedathiswife’slook，andattributingittocontempt，filledagoblettothebrimandpresentedittothequeen。Joanvisiblytrembled，herlipsmovedconvulsively;buttheconspiratorsdrownedintheirnoisytalktheinvoluntarygroanthatescapedher。Inthemidstofageneraluproar，RobertofCabaneproposedthattheyshouldservegeneroussuppliesofthesamewinedrunkattheroyaltabletotheHungarianguardswhowerekeepingwatchattheapproachestotheconvent，andthisliberalityevokedfrenziedapplause。Theshoutingofthesoldierssoongavewitnesstotheirgratitudefortheunexpectedgift，andmingledwiththehilarioustoastsofthebanqueters。ToputthefinishingtouchtoAndre’sexcitement，therewerecriesoneverysideof\"Longlivethe（queen！LongliveHisMajestytheKingofNaples！\"
Theorgylastedfarintothenight：thepleasuresofthenextdaywerediscussedwithenthusiasm，andBertrandofArtoisprotestedinaloudvoicethatiftheyweresolatenowsomewouldnotriseearlyonthemorrow。Andredeclaredthat，forhispart，anhourortwo’srestwouldbeenoughtogetoverhisfatigue，andheeagerlyprotestedthatitwouldbewellforotherstofollowhisexample。TheCountofTerlizziseemedtoexpresssomedoubtastotheprince’spunctuality。