Thekingturnedawayhishead，andretiredslowly，confidingtheprisonerstothecareofStephenVayvodaandtheCountofZornic，whoguardedthemduringthenightinaroomadjoiningtheking’schamber。
ThenextdayLouisheldanothermeetingofhiscouncil，andorderedthatCharlesshouldhavehisthroatcutontheveryspotwherepoorAndrehadbeenhanged。Hethensenttheotherprincesoftheblood，loadedwithchains，toHungary，wheretheywerelongkeptprisoners。
Charles，quitethunderstruckbysuchanunexpectedblow，overwhelmedbythethoughtofhispastcrimes，trembledlikeacowardfacetofacewithdeath，andseemedcompletelycrushed。Bowed，uponhisknees，hisfacehalfhiddeninhishands，fromtimetotimeconvulsivesobsescapedhim，ashetriedtofixthethoughtsthatchasedeachotherthroughhismindliketheshapesofamonstrousdream。Nightwasinhissoul，buteverynowandthenlightflashedacrossthedarkness，andoverthegloomybackgroundofhisdespairpassedgildedfiguresfleeingfromhimwithsmilesofmockery。Inhisearsbuzzedvoicesfromtheotherworld;hesawalongprocessionofghosts，liketheconspiratorswhomNicholasofMelazzohadpointedoutinthevaultsofCastelNuovo。Butthesephantomseachheldhisheadinhishand，andshakingitbythehair，bespatteredhimwithdropsofblood。Somebrandishedwhips，someknives：eachthreatenedCharleswithhisinstrumentoftorture。Pursuedbythenocturnaltrain，thehaplessmanopenedhismouthforonemightycry，buthisbreathwasgone，anditdieduponhislips。Thenhebeheldhismotherstretchingoutherarmsfromafar，andhefanciedthatifhecouldbutreachherhewouldbesafeButateachstepthepathgrewmoreandmorenarrow，piecesofhisfleshweretornoffbytheapproachingwalls;atlast，breathless，nakedandbleeding，hereachedhisgoal;buthismotherglidedfartheraway，anditwasalltobeginoveragain。The，phantomspursuedhim，grinningandscreaminginhisears：——
\"Cursedbehewhoslayethhismother！\"
Charleswasrousedfromthesehorrorsbythecriesofhisbrothers，whohadcometoembracehimforthelasttimebeforeembarking。Thedukeinalowvoiceaskedtheirpardon，andthenfellbackintohisstateofdespair。Thechildrenweredraggedaway，beggingtobeallowedtosharetheirbrother’sfate，andcryingfordeathasanalleviationoftheirwoes。Atlengththeywereseparated，butthesoundoftheirlamentationsoundedlongintheheartofthecondemnedman。Afterafewmoments，twosoldiersandtwoequerriescametotellthedukethathishourhadcome。
Charlesfollowedthem，unresisting，tothefatalbalconywhereAndrehadbeenhanged。Hewasthereaskedifhedesiredtoconfess，andwhenhesaidyes，theybroughtamonkfromthesaneconventwheretheterriblescenehadbeenenacted：helistenedtotheconfessionofallhissins，andgrantedhimabsolution。ThedukeatonceroseandwalkedtotheplacewhereAndrehadbeenthrowndownforthecordtobeputroundhisneck，andthere，kneelingagain，heaskedhisexecutioners——
\"Friends，inpitytellme，isthereanyhopeformylife？\"
Andwhentheyansweredno，Charlesexclaimed：
\"Thencarryoutyourinstructions。\"
Atthesewords，oneoftheequerriesplungedhisswordintohisbreast，andtheothercuthisheadoffwithaknife，andhiscorpsewasthrownoverthebalconyintothegardenwhereAndre’sbodyhadlainforthreedaysunburied。
CHAPTERVII
TheKingofHungary，hisblackflageverbornebeforehim，startedforNaples，reusingallofferedhonours，andrejectingthecanopybeneathwhichhewastomakehisentry，notevenstoppingtogiveaudiencetothechiefcitizensortoreceivetheacclamationsofthecrowd。Armedatallpoints，hemadeforCastelNuovo，leavingbehindhimdismayandfear。HisfirstactonenteringthecitywastoorderDonaCanchatobeburnt，herpunishmenthavingbeendeferredbyreasonofherpregnancy。Liketheothers，shewasdrawnonacarttothesquareofSt。Eligius，andthereconsignedtotheflames。Theyoungcreature，whosesufferinghadnotimpairedherbeauty，wasdressedasforafestival，andlaughinglikeamadthinguptothelastmoment，mockedatherexecutionersandthrewkissestothecrowd。
Afewdayslater，GodfreyofMarsana，CountofSquillaceandgrandadmiralofthekingdom，wasarrestedbytheking’sorders。HislifewaspromisedhimonconditionofhisdeliveringupConradofCatanzaro，oneofhisrelatives，accusedofconspiringagainstAndre。
Thegrandadmiralcommitted，thisactofshamelesstreachery，anddidnotshrinkfromsendinghisownsontopersuadeConradtocometothetown。Thepoorwretchwasgivenovertotheking，andtorturedaliveonawheelmadewithsharpknives。Thesightofthesebarbarities，farfromcalmingtheking’srage;seemedtoinflameitthemore。
Everydaytherewerenewaccusationsandnewsentences。Theprisonswerecrowded：Louis’spunishmentswereredoubledinseverity。Afeararosethatthetown，andindeedthewholekingdom，weretobetreatedashavingtakenpartinAndre’sdeath。Murmursaroseagainstthisbarbarousrule，andallmen’sthoughtsturnedtowardstheirfugitivequeen。TheNeapolitanbaronshadtakentheoathoffidelitywithnowillinghearts;andwhenitcametotheturnoftheCountsofSanSeverino，theyfearedatrickofsomekind，andrefusedtoappearalltogetherbeforetheHungarian，buttookrefugeinthetownofSalerno，andsentArchbishopRoger，theirbrother，tomakesureoftheking’sintentionsbeforehand。Louisreceivedhimmagnificently，andappointedhimprivycouncillorandgrandprotonotary。Then，andnottillthen，didRobertofSanSeverinoandRoger，CountofChiaramonte，ventureintotheking’spresence;afterdoinghomage，theyretiredtotheirhomes。Theotherbaronsfollowedtheirexampleofcaution，andhidingtheirdiscontentunderashowofrespect，awaitedafavourablemomentforshakingofftheforeignyoke。Butthequeenhadencounterednoobstacleinherflight，andarrivedatNicefivedayslater。HerpassagethroughProvencewaslikeatriumph。Herbeauty，youth，andmisfortunes，evencertainmysteriousreportsastoheradventures，allcontributedtoarousetheinterestoftheProvencalpeople。Gamesandfeteswereimprovisedtosoftenthehardshipofexilefortheproscribedprincess;butamidtheoutburstsofjoyfromeverytown，castle，andcity，Joan，alwayssad，livedeverinhersilentgriefandglowingmemories。
AtthegatesofAixshefoundtheclergy，thenobility，andthechiefmagistrates，whoreceivedherrespectfullybutwithnosignsofenthusiasm。Asthequeenadvanced，herastonishmentincreasedasshesawthecoldnessofthepeopleandthesolemn，constrainedairofthegreatmenwhoescortedher。Manyanxiousthoughtsalarmedher，andsheevenwentsofarastofearsomeintrigueoftheKingofHungary。
ScarcelyhadhercortegearrivedatCastleArnaud，whenthenobles，dividingintotworanks，letthequeenpasswithhercounsellorSpinelliandtwowomen;thenclosingup，theycutherofffromtherestofhersuite。Afterthis，eachinturntookuphisstationasguardianofthefortress。
Therewasnoroomfordoubt：thequeenwasaprisoner;butthecauseofthemanoeuvreitwasimpossibletoguess。Sheaskedthehighdignitaries，andthey，protestingrespectfuldevotion，refusedtoexplaintilltheyhadnewsfromAvignon。MeanwhileallhonoursthataqueencouldreceivewerelavishedonJoan;butshewaskeptinsightandforbiddentogoout。Thisnewtroubleincreasedherdepression：shedidnotknowwhathadhappenedtoLouisofTarentum，andherimagination，alwaysaptatcreatingdisasters，instantlysuggestedthatshewouldsoonbeweepingforhisloss。
ButLouis，alwayswithhisfaithfulAcciajuoli，hadaftermanyfatiguingadventuresbeenshipwreckedattheportofPisa;thencehehadtakenrouteforFlorence，tobegmenandmoney;buttheFlorentinesdecidedtokeepanabsoluteneutrality，andrefusedtoreceivehim。Theprince，losinghislasthope，wasponderinggloomyplans，whenNicholasAcciajuolithusresolutelyaddressedhim：
\"Mylord，itisnotgiventomankindtoenjoyprosperityforever：
therearemisfortunesbeyondallhumanforesight。Youwereoncerichandpowerful，andyouarenowafugitiveindisguise，beggingthehelpofothers。Youmustreserveyourstrengthforbetterdays。I
stillhaveaconsiderablefortune，andalsohaverelationsandfriendswhosewealthisatmydisposal：letustrytomakeourwaytothequeen，andatoncedecidewhatwecando。Imyselfshallalwaysdefendyouandobeyyouasmylordandmaster。\"
Theprincereceivedthesegenerousofferswiththeutmostgratitude，andtoldhiscounsellorthatheplacedhispersoninhishandsandallthatremainedofhisfuture。Acciajuoli，notcontentwithservinghismasterasadevotedservant，persuadedhisbrotherAngelo，ArchbishopofFlorence，whowasingreatfavouratClementVI’scourt，tojoinwiththeminpersuadingthepopetointeresthimselfinthecauseofLouisofTarentum。So，withoutfurtherdelay，theprince，hiscounsellor，andthegoodprelatemadetheirwaytotheportofMarseilles，butlearningthatthequeenwasaprisoneratAix，theyembarkedatAcque-Morte，andwentstraighttoAvignon。ItsoonappearedthatthepopehadarealaffectionandesteemforthecharacteroftheArchbishopofFlorence，forLouiswasreceivedwithpaternalkindnessatthecourtofAvignon;whichwasfarmorethanhehadexpected：Whenhekneeledbeforethesovereignpontiff，HisHolinessbentaffectionatelytowardshimandhelpedhimtorise，salutinghimbythetitleofking。
Twodayslater，anotherprelate，theArchbishopofAix，cameintothequeen’spresence，——
\"Mostgraciousanddearlybelovedsovereign，permitthemosthumbleanddevotedofyourservantstoaskpardon，inthenameofyoursubjects，forthepainfulbutnecessarymeasuretheyhavethoughtfittotakeconcerningyourMajesty。Whenyouarrivedonourcoast，yourloyaltownofAixhadlearnedfromatrustworthysourcethattheKingofFrancewasproposingtogiveourcountrytooneofhisownsons，makinggoodthislosstoyoubythecessionofanotherdomain，alsothattheDukeofNormandyhadcometoAvignontorequestthisexchangeinperson。Wewerequitedecided，madam，andhadmadeavowtoGodthatwewouldgiveupeverythingratherthansufferthehatefultyrannyoftheFrench。Butbeforespillingbloodwethoughtitbesttosecureyouraugustpersonasasacredhostage，asacredarkwhichnomandaredtouchbutwassmittentotheground，whichindeedmustkeepawayfromourwallsthescourgeofwar。Wehavenowreadtheformalannulmentofthishatefulplan，inabriefsentbythesovereignpontifffromAvignon;andinthisbriefhehimselfguaranteesyourgoodfaith。
\"Wegiveyouyourfullandentireliberty，andhenceforthweshallonlyendeavourtokeepyouamongusbyprayersandprotestations。Gothen，madam，ifthatisyourpleasure，butbeforeyouleavetheselands，whichwillbeplungedintomourningbyyourwithdrawal，leavewithussomehopethatyouforgivetheapparentviolencetowhichwehavesubjectedyou，onlyinthefearthatwemightloseyou;andrememberthatonthedaywhenyouceasetobeourqueenyousignthedeath-warrantofallyoursubjects。\"
JoanreassuredthearchbishopandthedeputationfromhergoodtownofAixwithamelancholysmile，andpromisedthatshewouldalwayscherishthememoryoftheiraffection。Forthistimeshecouldnotbedeceivedastotherealsentimentsofthenoblesandpeople;andafidelitysouncommon，revealedwithsinceretears，touchedherheartandmadeherreflectbitterlyuponherpast。Butaleague’sdistancefromAvignonamagnificenttriumphalreceptionawaitedher。LouisofTarentumandallthecardinalspresentatthecourthadcomeouttomeether。PagesindazzlingdresscarriedaboveJoan’sheadacanopyofscarletvelvet，ornamentedwithfleur-de-lysingoldandplumes。
Handsomeyouthsandlovelygirls，theirheadscrownedwithflowers，wentbeforehersingingherpraise。Thestreetswereborderedwithalivinghedgeofpeople，thehousesweredeckedout，thebellsrangatriplepeal，asatthegreatChurchfestivals。ClementVIfirstreceivedthequeenatthecastleofAvignonwithallthepompheknewsowellhowtoemployonsolemnoccasions，thenshewaslodgedinthepalaceofCardinalNapoleonoftheOrsini，whoonhisreturnfromtheConclaveatPerugiahadbuiltthisregaldwellingatVilleneuve，inhabitedlaterbythepopes。
NowordscouldgiveanideaofthestrangelydisturbedconditionofAvignonatthisperiod。SinceClementVhadtransportedtheseatofthepapacytoProvence，therehadsprungup，inthisrivaltoRome，squares，churches，cardinals’palaces，ofunparalleledsplendour。
AllthebusinessofnationsandkingswastransactedatthecastleofAvignon。Ambassadorsfromeverycourt，merchantsofeverynation，adventurersofallkinds，Italians，Spaniards，Hungarians，Arabs，Jews，soldiers，Bohemians，jesters，poets，monks，courtesans，swarmedandclusteredhere，andhustledoneanotherinthestreets。Therewasconfusionoftongues，customs，andcostumes，aninextricablemixtureofsplendourandrags，richesandmisery，debasementandgrandeur。TheausterepoetsoftheMiddleAgesstigmatisedtheaccursedcityintheirwritingsunderthenameoftheNewBabylon。
ThereisonecuriousmonumentofJoan’ssojournatAvignonandtheexerciseofherauthorityassovereign。Shewasindignantattheeffronteryofthewomenofthetown，whoelbowedeverybodyshamelesslyinthestreets，andpublishedanotableedict，thefirstofitskind，whichhassinceservedasamodelinlikecases，tocompelallunfortunatewomenwhotraffickedintheirhonourtoliveshutuptogetherinahouse，thatwasboundtobeopeneverydayintheyearexceptthelastthreedaysofHolyWeek，theentrancetobebarredtoJewsatalltimes。Anabbess，chosenonceayear，hadthesupremecontroloverthisstrangeconvent。Ruleswereestablishedforthemaintenanceoforder，andseverepenaltiesinflictedforanyinfringementofdiscipline。Thelawyersoftheperiodgainedagreatreputationbythissalutaryinstitution;thefairladiesofAvignonwereeagerintheirdefenceofthequeeninspiteofthecalumniousreportsthatstrovetotarnishherreputation：withonevoicethewisdomofAndre’swidowwasextolled。Theconcertofpraiseswasdisturbed，however，bymurmursfromthereclusesthemselves，who，intheirownbrutallanguage，declaredthatJoanofNapleswasimpedingtheircommercesoastogetamonopolyforherself。
MeanwhileMarieofDurazzohadjoinedhersister。Afterherhusband’sdeathshehadfoundmeanstotakerefugeintheconventofSantaCrocewithhertwolittledaughters;andwhileLouisofHungarywasbusyburninghisvictims，theunhappyMariehadcontrivedtomakeherescapeinthefrockofanoldmonk，andasbyamiracletogetonboardashipthatwassettingsailforProvence。Sherelatedtohersisterthefrightfuldetailsoftheking’scruelty。Andsoonanewproofofhisimplacablehatredconfirmedthetalesofthepoorprincess。
Louis’sambassadorsappearedatthecourtofAvignontodemandformallythequeen’scondemnation。
ItwasagreatdaywhenJoanofNaplespleadedherowncausebeforethepope，inthepresenceofallthecardinalsthenatAvignon，alltheambassadorsofforeignpowers，andalltheeminentpersonscomefromeveryquarterofEuropetobepresentatthistrial，uniqueintheannalsofhistory。Wemustimagineavastenclosure，inwhosemidstuponaraisedthrone，aspresidentoftheaugusttribunal，satGod’svicaronearth，absoluteandsupremejudge，emblemoftemporalandspiritualpower，ofauthorityhumananddivine。Torightandleftofthesovereignpontiff，thecardinalsintheirredrobessatinchairssetroundinacircle，andbehindtheseprincesoftheSacredCollegestretchedrowsofbishopsextendingtotheendofthehall，withvicars，canons，deacons，archdeacons，andthewholeimmensehierarchyoftheChurch。FacingthepontificalthronewasaplatformreservedfortheQueenofNaplesandhersuite。Atthepope’sfeetstoodtheambassadorsfromtheKingofHungary，whoplayedthepartofaccuserswithoutspeakingaword，thecircumstancesofthecrimeandalltheproofshavingbeendiscussedbeforehandbyacommitteeappointedforthepurpose。Therestofthehallwasfilledbyabrilliantcrowdofhighdignitaries，illustriouscaptains，andnobleenvoys，allvyingwithoneanotherinprouddisplay。Everyoneceasedtobreathe，alleyeswerefixedonthedaiswhenceJoanwastospeakherowndefence。Amovementofuneasycuriositymadethiscompactmassofhumanitysurgetowardsthecentre，thecardinalsaboveraisedlikeproudpeacocksoveragoldenharvest-fieldshakeninthebreeze。
Thequeenappeared，handinhandwithheruncle，theoldCardinalofPerigord，andheraunt，theCountessAgnes。Hergaitwassomodestandproud，hercountenancesomelancholyandpure，herlookssoopenandconfident，thatevenbeforeshespokeeveryheartwashers。Joanwasnowtwentyyearsofage;hermagnificentbeautywasfullydeveloped，butanextremepallorconcealedthebrillianceofhertransparentsatinskin，andherhollowcheektoldthetaleofexpiationandsuffering。Amongthespectatorswholookedonmosteagerlytherewasacertainyoungmanwithstronglymarkedfeatures，glowingeyes，andbrownhair，whomweshallmeetagainlateroninournarrative;butwewillnotdivertourreaders’attention，butonlytellthemthathisnamewasJamesofAragon，thathewasPrinceofMajorca，andwouldhavebeenreadytoshedeverydropofhisbloodonlytocheckonesingletearthathungonJoan’seyelids。Thequeenspokeinanagitated，tremblingvoice，stoppingfromtimetotimetodryhermoistandshiningeyes，ortobreatheoneofthosedeepsighsthatgostraighttotheheart。Shetoldthetaleofherhusband’sdeathpainfullyandvividly，paintedtruthfullythemadterrorthathadseizeduponherandstruckherdownatthatfrightfultime，raisedherhandstoherbrowwiththegestureofdespair，asthoughshewouldwrestthemadnessfromherbrain-andashudderofpityandawepassedthroughtheassembledcrowd。Itisafactthatatthismoment，ifherwordswerefalse，heranguishwasbothsincereandterrible。Anangelsoiledbycrime，sheliedlikeSatanhimself，butlikehimtooshesufferedalltheagonyofremorseandpride。Thus，whenattheendofherspeechsheburstintotearsandimploredhelpandprotectionagainsttheusurperofherkingdom，acryofgeneralassentdrownedherclosingwords，severalhandsflewtotheirsword-
hilts，andtheHungarianambassadorsretiredcoveredwithshameandconfusion。
Thatsameeveningthesentence，tothegreatjoyofall，wasproclaimed，thatJoanwasinnocentandacquittedofallconcernintheassassinationofherhusband。Butasherconductaftertheeventandtheindifferenceshehadshownaboutpursuingtheauthorsofthecrimeadmittedofnovalidexcuse，thepopedeclaredthattherewereplaintracesofmagic，andthatthewrong-doingattributedtoJoanwastheresultofsomebanefulcharmcastuponher，whichshecouldbynopossiblemeansresist。Atthesametime，HisHolinessconfirmedhermarriagewithLouisofTarentum，andbestowedonhimtheorderoftheRoseofGoldandthetitleofKingofSicilyandJerusalem。Joan，itistrue，hadontheeveofheracquittalsoldthetownofAvignontothepopeforthesumof80，000florins。
WhilethequeenwaspleadinghercauseatthecourtofClementVI，adreadfulepidemic，calledtheBlackPlague——thesamethatBoccacciohasdescribedsowonderfully——wasravagingthekingdomofNaples，andindeedthewholeofItaly。AccordingtothecalculationofMatteoVillani，Florencelostthree-fifthsofherpopulation，Bolognatwo-
thirds，andnearlyallEuropewasreducedinsomesuchfrightfulproportion。TheNeapolitanswerealreadywearyofthecrueltiesandgreedoftheHungarians，theywereonlyawaitingsomeopportunitytorevoltagainstthestranger’soppression，andtorecalltheirlawfulsovereign，whom，forallherilldeeds，theyhadneverceasedtolove。Theattractionofyouthandbeautywasdeeplyfeltbythispleasure-lovingpeople。Scarcelyhadthepestilencethrownconfusionintothearmyandtown，whenloudcursingaroseagainstthetyrantandhisexecutioners。LouisofHungary，suddenlythreatenedbythe，wrathofHeavenandthepeople’svengeance，wasterrifiedbothbytheplagueandbytheriots，anddisappearedinthemiddleofthenight。
LeavingthegovernmentofNaplesinthehandsofConradLupo，oneofhiscaptains，heembarkedhastilyatBerletta，andleftthekingdominverymuchthesamewayasLouisofTarentum，fleeingfromhim，hadleftitafewmonthsbefore。
ThisnewsarrivedatAvignonjustwhenthepopewasabouttosendthequeenhisbullofabsolution。ItwasatoncedecidedtotakeawaythekingdomfromLouis’sviceroy。NicholasAeciajuolileftforNapleswiththemarvellousbullthatwastoprovetoallmentheinnocenceofthequeen，tobanishallscruplesandstirupanewenthusiasm。
ThecounsellorfirstwenttothecastleofMelzi，commandedbyhissonLorenzo：thiswastheonlyfortressthathadalwaysheldout。
Thefatherandsonembracedwiththehonourablepridethatnearrelativesmayjustlyfeelwhentheymeetaftertheyhaveunitedintheperformanceofaheroicduty。FromthegovernorofMelziLouisofTarentum’scounsellorlearnedthatallmenwereweariedofthearroganceandvexatiousconductofthequeen’senemies，andthataconspiracywasintrain，startedintheUniversityofNaples，butwithvastramificationsalloverthekingdom，andmoreoverthattherewasdissensionintheenemy’sarmy。TheindefatigablecounsellorwentfromApuliatoNaples，traversingtownsandvillages，collectingmeneverywhere，proclaimingloudlytheacquittalofthequeenandhermarriagewithLouisofTarentum，alsothatthepopewasofferingindulgencestosuchaswouldreceivewithjoytheirlawfulsovereigns。Thenseeingthatthepeopleshoutedashewentby，\"LongliveJoan！DeathtotheHungarians！\"hereturnedandtoldhissovereignsinwhatframeofmindhehadlefttheirsubjects。
Joanborrowedmoneywherevershecould，armedgalleys，andleftMarseilleswithherhusband，hersister，andtwofaithfuladvisers，AcciajuoliandSpinelli，onthel0thofSeptember1348。Thekingandqueennotbeingabletoenterattheharbour，whichwasintheenemy’spower，disembarkedatSantaMariadelCarmine，neartheriverSebeto，amidthefrenziedapplauseofanimmensecrowd，andaccompaniedbyalltheNeapolitannobles。TheymadetheirwaytothepalaceofMessireAjutorio，nearPortaCapuana，theHungarianshavingfortifiedthemselvesinallthecastles;butAcciatjuoli，attheheadofthequeen’spartisans，blockadedthefortressessoablythathalfoftheenemywereobligedtosurrender，andtheotherhalftooktoflightandwerescatteredabouttheinteriorofthekingdom。WeshallnowfollowLouisofTarentuminhisarduousadventuresinApulia，theCalabrias，andtheAbruzzi，whereherecoveredonebyonethefortressesthattheHungarianshadtaken。Bydintofunexampledvalourandpatience，heatlastmasterednearlyallthemoreconsiderableplaces，whensuddenlyeverythingchanged，andfortuneturnedherbackuponhimforthesecondtime。AGermancaptaincalledWarner，whohaddesertedtheHungarianarmytosellhimselftothequeen，hadagainplayedthetraitorandsoldhimselfoncemore，allowedhimselftobesurprisedatCornetobyConradLupo，theKingofHungary’svicar-general，andopenlyjoinedhim，takingalongwithhimagreatpartyoftheadventurerswhofoughtunderhisorders。
ThisunexpecteddefectionforcedLouisofTarentumtoretiretoNaples。TheKingofHungarysoonlearningthatthetroopshadralliedroundhisbanner，andonlyawaitedhisreturntomarchuponthecapital，disembarkedwithastrongreinforcementofcavalryattheportofManfredonia，andtakingTrani，Canosa，andSalerno，wentforwardtolaysiegetoAversa。
Thenewsfelllikeathunder-claponJoanandherhusband。TheHungarianarmyconsistedof10，000horseandmorethan7000infantry，andAversahadonly500soldiersunderGiacomoPignatelli。Inspiteoftheimmensedisproportionofthenumbers，theNeapolitangeneralvigorouslyrepelledtheattack;andtheKingofHungary，fightinginthefront，waswoundedinhisfootbyanarrow。ThenLouis，seeingthatitwouldbedifficulttotaketheplacebystorm，determinedtostarvethemout。Forthreemonthsthebesiegedperformedprodigiesofvalour，andfurtherassistancewasimpossible。Theircapitulationwasexpectedatanymoment，unlessindeedtheydecidedtoperisheveryman。RenauddesBaux，whowastocomefromMarseilleswithasquadronoftenshipstodefendtheportsofthecapitalandsecurethequeen’sflight，shouldtheHungarianarmygetpossessionofNaples，hadbeendelayedbyadversewindsandobligedtostopontheway。Allthingsseemedtoconspireinfavouroftheenemy。LouisofTarentum，whosegeneroussoulrefusedtoshedthebloodofhisbravemeninanunequalanddesperatestruggle，noblysacrificedhimself，andmadeanoffertotheKingofHungarytosettletheirquarrelinsinglecombat。WeappendtheauthenticlettersthatpassedbetweenJoan’shusbandandAndre’sbrother。
\"IllustriousKingofHungary，whohascometoinvadeourkingdom，we，bythegraceofGodKingofJerusalemandSicily，inviteyoutosinglecombat。Weknowthatyouareinnowisedisturbedbythedeathofyourlancersortheotherpagansinyoursuite，nomoreindeedthaniftheyweredogs;butwe，fearingharmtoourownsoldiersandmen-at-arms，desiretofightwithyoupersonally，toputanendtothepresentwarandrestorepeacetoourkingdom。Hewhosurvivesshallbeking。Andtherefore，toensurethatthisduelshalltakeplace，wedefinitelyproposeasasiteeitherParis，inthepresenceoftheKingofFrance，oroneofthetownsofPerugia，Avignon，orNaples。Chooseoneofthesefourplaces，andsendusyourreply。\"
TheKingofHungaryfirstconsultedwithhiscouncil，andthenreplied：——
GreatKing，wehavereadandconsideredyourlettersenttousbythebearerofthesepresents，andbyyourinvitationtoaduelwearemostsupremelypleased;butwedonotapproveofanyoftheplacesyoupropose，sincetheyareallsuspect，andforseveralreasons。
TheKingofFranceisyourmaternalgrandfather，andalthoughwearealsoconnectedbybloodwithhim，therelationshipisnotsonear。
ThetownofAvignon，althoughnominallybelongingtothesovereignpontiff，isthecapitalofProvence，andhasalwaysbeensubjecttoyourrule。NeitherhaveweanymoreconfidenceinPerugia，forthattownisdevotedtoyourcause。
AstothecityofNaples，thereisnoneedtosaythatwerefusethatrendezvous，sinceitisinrevoltagainstusandyouarethereasking。Butifyouwishtofightwithus，letitbeinthepresenceoftheEmperorofGermany，whoislordsupreme，ortheKingofEngland，whoisourcommonfriend，orthePatriarchofAquilea，agoodCatholic。Ifyoudonotapproveofanyoftheplaceswepropose，weshallsoonbenearyouwithourarmy，andsoremovealldifficultiesanddelays。Thenyoucancomeforth，andourduelcantakeplaceinthepresenceofbotharmies。\"
Aftertheinterchangeofthesetwoletters，LouisofTarentumproposednothingfurther。ThegarrisonatAversahadcapitulatedafteraheroicresistance，anditwasknownonlytoowellthatiftheKingofHungarycouldgetsofarasthewallsofNaples，hewouldnothavetoendangerhislifeinordertoseizethatcity。HappilytheProvencalgalleyshadreachedportatlast。ThekingandthequeenhadonlyjusttimetoembarkandtakerefugeatGaeta。TheHungarianarmyarrivedatNaples。Thetownwasonthepointofyielding，andhadsentmessengerstothekinghumblydemandingpeace;butthespeechesoftheHungariansshowedsuchinsolencethatthepeople，irritatedpastendurance，tookuparms，andresolvedtodefendtheirhouseholdgodswithalltheenergyofdespair。
CHAPTERVIII
WhiletheNeapolitanswereholdingoutagainsttheirenemyatthePortaCapuana，astrangescenewasbeingenactedattheothersideofthetown，ascenethatshowsusinlivelycolourstheviolenceandtreacheryofthisbarbarousage。ThewidowofCharlesofDurazzowasshutupin，thecastleofOvo，andawaitinginfeverishanxietythearrivaloftheshipthatwastotakehertothequeen。ThepoorPrincessMarie，pressingherweepingchildrentoherheart，pale，withdishevelledlocks，fixedeyes，anddrawnlips，waslisteningforeverysound，distractedbetweenhopeandfear。Suddenlystepsresoundedalongthecorridor，afriendlyvoicewasheard，Mariefelluponherkneeswithacryofjoy：herliberatorhadcome。
RenauddesBaux，admiraloftheProvencalsquadron，respectfullyadvanced，followedbyhiseldestsonRobertandhischaplain。
\"God，IthankThee！\"exclaimedMarie，risingtoherfeet;\"wearesaved。\"
\"Onemoment，madam，\"saidRenaud，stoppingher：\"youareindeedsaved，butupononecondition。\"
\"Acondition？\"murmuredtheprincessinsurprise。
\"Listen，madam。TheKingofHungary，theavengerofAndre’smurderers，theslayerofyourhusband，isatthegatesofNaples;thepeopleandsoldierswillsuccumb，assoonastheirlastgallanteffortisspent——thearmyoftheconquerorisabouttospreaddesolationanddeaththroughoutthecitybyfireandthesword。ThistimetheHungarianbutcherwillsparenovictims：hewillkillthemotherbeforeherchildren’seyes，thechildrenintheirmother’sarms。Thedrawbridgeofthiscastleisupandtherearenoneonguard;everymanwhocanwieldaswordisnowattheotherendofthetown。Woetoyou，MarieofDurazzo，iftheKingofHungaryshallrememberthatyoupreferredhisrivaltohim！\"
\"Buthaveyounotcomeheretosaveme？\"criedMarieinavoiceofanguish。\"Joan，mysister，didshenotcommandyoutotakemetoher？\"
\"Yoursisterisnolongerinthepositiontogiveorders，\"repliedRenaud，withadisdainfulsmile。\"ShehadnothingformebutthanksbecauseIsavedherlife，andherhusband’stoo，whenhefledlikeacowardbeforethemanwhomhehaddaredtochallengetoaduel。\"
Marielookedfixedlyattheadmiraltoassureherselfthatitwasreallyhewhothusarrogantlytalkedabouthismasters。Butshewasterrifiedathisimperturbableexpression，andsaidgently——
\"AsIowemylifeandmychildren’slivessolelytoyourgenerosity，Iamgratefultoyoubeyondallmeasure。Butwemusthurry，mylord：
everymomentIfancyIhearcriesofvengeance，andyouwouldnotleave，menowapreytomybrutalenemy？\"
\"Godforbid，madam;Iwillsaveyouattheriskofmylife;butI
havesaidalready，Iimposeacondition。\"
\"Whatisit？\"saidMarie，withforcedcalm。
\"Thatyoumarrymysonontheinstant，inthepresenceofourreverendchaplain。\"
\"Rashman！\"criedMarie，recoiling，herfacescarletwithindignationandshame;\"youdaretospeakthustothesisterofyourlegitimatesovereign？GivethankstoGodthatIwillpardonaninsultoffered，asIknow，inamomentofmadness;trybyyourdevotiontomakemeforgetwhatyouhavesaid。\"
Thecount，withoutoneword，signedtohissonandapriesttofollow，andpreparedtodepart。AshecrossedthethresholdMarierantohim，andclaspingherhands，prayedhiminGod’snamenevertoforsakeher。Renaudstopped。
\"Imighteasilytakemyrevenge，\"hesaid，\"foryouraffrontwhenyourefusemysoninyourpride;butthatbusinessIleavetoLouisofHungary，whowillacquithimself，nodoubt，withcredit。\"
\"Havemercyonmypoordaughters！\"criedtheprincess;\"mercyatleastformypoorbabes，ifmyowntearscannotmoveyou。\"
\"Ifyoulovedyourchildren，\"saidtheadmiral，frowning，\"youwouldhavedoneyourdutyatonce。\"
\"ButIdonotloveyourson！\"criedMarie，proudbuttrembling。
\"OGod，mustawretchedwoman’sheartbethustrampled？You，father，aministeroftruthandjustice，tellthismanthatGodmustnotbecalledontowitnessanoathdraggedfromtheweakandhelpless！\"
Sheturnedtotheadmiral’sson;andadded，sobbing——
\"Youareyoung，perhapsyouhaveloved：onedaynodoubtyouwilllove。Iappealtoyourloyaltyasayoungman，toyourcourtesyasaknight，toallyournoblestimpulses;joinme，andturnyourfatherawayfromhisfatalproject。Youhaveneverseenmebefore：youdonotknowbutthatinmysecretheartIloveanother。Yourprideshouldberevoltedatthesightofanunhappywomancastingherselfatyourfeetandimploringyourfavourandprotection。Onewordfromyou，Robert，andIshallblessyoueverymomentofmylife：thememoryofyouwillbegraveninmyheartlikethememoryofaguardianangel，andmychildrenshallnameyounightlyintheirprayers，askingGodtograntyourwishes。Oh，say，willyounotsaveme？Whoknows，lateronImayloveyou——withreallove。\"
\"Imustobeymyfather，\"Robertreplied，neverliftinghiseyestothelovelysuppliant。
Thepriestwassilent。Twominutespassed，andthesefourpersons，eachabsorbedinhisownthoughts，stoodmotionlessasstatuescarvedatthefourcornersofatomb。Mariewasthricetemptedtothrowherselfintothesea。Butaconfuseddistantsoundsuddenlystruckuponherears：littlebylittleitdrewnearer，voicesweremoredistinctlyheard;womeninthestreetwereutteringcriesofdistress——
\"Fly，fly！Godhasforsakenus;theHungariansareinthetown！\"
ThetearsofMarie’schildrenweretheanswertothesecries;andlittleMargaret，raisingherhandstohermother，expressedherfearinspeechthatwasfarbeyondheryears。Renaud，withoutonelookatthistouchingpicture，drewhissontowardsthedoor。
\"Stay，\"saidtheprincess，extendingherhandwithasolemngesture：
\"asGodsendsnootheraidtomychildren，itisHiswillthatthesacrificebeaccomplished。\"
Shefellonherkneesbeforethepriest，bendingherheadlikeavictimwhooffershernecktotheexecutioner。RobertdesBauxtookhisplacebesideher，andthepriestpronouncedtheformulathatunitedthemforever，consecratingtheinfamousdeedbyasacrilegiousblessing。
\"Allisover！\"murmuredMarieofDurazzo，lookingtearfullyonherlittledaughters。
\"No，allisnotyetover，\"saidtheadmiralharshly，pushinghertowardsanotherroom;\"beforeweleave，themarriagemustbeconsummated。\"
\"OjustGod！\"criedtheprincess，inavoicetornwithanguish，andshefellswooningtothefloor。
RenauddesBauxdirectedhisshipstowardsMarseilles，wherehehopedtogethissoncrownedCountofProvence，thankstohisstrangemarriagewithMarieofDurazzo。Butthiscowardlyactoftreasonwasnottogounpunished。Thewindrosewithfury，anddrovehimtowardsGaeta，wherethequeenandherhusbandhadjustarrived。Renaudbadehissailorskeepintheopen，threateningtothrowanymanintotheseawhodaredtodisobeyhim。Thecrewatfirstmurmured;sooncriesofmutinyroseoneveryside。Theadmiral，seeinghewaslost，passedfromthreatstoprayers。Buttheprincess，whohadrecoveredhersensesatthefirstthunder-clap，draggedherselfuptothebridgeandscreamedforhelp，\"Cometome，Louis！Come，mybarons！Deathtothecowardlywretcheswhohaveoutragedmyhonour！\"
LouisofTarentumjumpedintoaboat，followedbysometenofhisbravestmen，and，rowingrapidly，reachedtheship。ThenMarietoldhimherstoryinaword，andheturnedupontheadmiralalightningglance，asthoughdefyinghimtomakeanydefence。
\"Wretch！\"criedtheking，transfixingthetraitorwithhissword。
Thenhehadthesonloadedwithchains，andalsotheunworthypriestwhohadservedasaccomplicetotheadmiral，whonowexpiatedhisodiouscrimebydeath。Hetooktheprincessandherchildreninhisboat，andre-enteredtheharbour。
TheHungarians，however，forcingoneofthegatesofNaples，marchedtriumphanttoCastelNuovo。ButastheywerecrossingthePiazzadelleCorreggie，theNeapolitansperceivedthatthehorsesweresoweakandthemensoreducedbyalltheyhadundergoneduringthesiegeofAversathatamerepuffofwindwoulddispensethisphantom-
likearmy。Changingfromastateofpanictorealdaring，thepeoplerushedupontheirconquerors，anddrovethemoutsidethewallsbywhichtheyhadjustentered。ThesuddenviolentreactionbroketheprideoftheKingofHungary，andmadehimmoretractablewhenClementVIdecidedthatheoughtatlasttointerfere。AtrucewasconcludedfirstfromthemonthofFebruary1350tothebeginningofApril1351，andthenextyearthiswasconvertedintoarealpeace，JoanpayingtotheKingofHungarythesumof300，000florinsfortheexpensesofthewar。
AftertheHungarianshadgone，thepopesentalegatetocrownJoanandLouisofTarentum，andthe25thofMay，thedayofPentecost，waschosenfortheceremony。Allcontemporaryhistoriansspeakenthusiasticallyofthismagnificentfete。ItsdetailshavebeenimmortalisedbyGiottointhefrescoesofthechurchwhichfromthisdayborethenameofL’Incoronata。Ageneralamnestywasdeclaredforallwhohadtakenpartinthelatewarsoneitherside，andthekingandqueenweregreetedwithshoutsofjoyastheysolemnlyparadedbeneaththecanopy，withallthebaronsofthekingdomintheirtrain。
Buttheday’sjoywasimpairedbyanaccidentwhichtoasuperstitiouspeopleseemedofevilaugury。LouisofTarentum，ridingarichlycaparisonedhorse，hadjustpassedthePortaPetruccia，whensomeladieslookingoutfromahighwindowthrewsuchaquantityofflowersatthekingthathisfrightenedsteedrearedandbrokehisrein。Louiscouldnotholdhim，sojumpedlightlytotheground;butthecrownfellathisfeetandwasbrokenintothreepieces。OnthatverydaytheonlydaughterofJoanandLouisdied。
Butthekingnotwishingtosaddenthebrilliantceremonywithshowofmourning，keptupthejoustsandtournamentsforthreedays，andinmemoryofhiscoronationinstitutedtheorderof’ChevaliersduNoeud’。Butfromthatdaybegunwithanomensosad，hislifewasnothingbutaseriesofdisillusions。AftersustainingwarsinSicilyandApulia，andquellingtheinsurrectionofLouisofDurazzo，whoendedhisdaysinthecastleofOvo，LouisofTarentum，wornoutbyalifeofpleasure，hishealthunderminedbyslowdisease，overwhelmedwithdomestictrouble，succumbedtoanacutefeveronthe5thofJune1362，attheageofforty-two。HisbodyhadnotbeenlaidinitsroyaltombatSaintDomenicobeforeseveralaspirantsappearedtothehandofthequeen。
OnewasthePrinceofMajorca，thehandsomeyouthwehavealreadyspokenof：heboreherofftriumphantoverallrivals，includingthesonoftheKingofFrance。JamesofAragonhadoneofthosefacesofmelancholysweetnesswhichnowomancanresist。Greattroublesnoblybornehadthrownasitwereafunerealveiloverhisyouthfuldays：
morethanthirteenyearshehadspentshutinanironcage;whenbytheaidofafalsekeyhehadescapedfromhisdreadfulprison，hewanderedfromonecourttoanotherseekingaid;itisevensaidthathewasreducedtothelowestdegreeofpovertyandforcedtobeghisbread。Theyoungstranger’sbeautyandhisadventurescombinedhadimpressedbothJoanandMarieatthecourtofAvignon。Marieespeciallyhadconceivedaviolentpassionforhim，allthemoresofortheeffortsshemadetoconcealitinherownbosom。EversinceJamesofAragoncametoNaples，theunhappyprincess，marriedwithadaggeratherthroat，haddesiredtopurchaseherlibertyattheexpenseofcrime。Followedbyfourarmedmen，sheenteredtheprisonwhereRobertdesBauxwasstillsufferingforafaultmorehisfather’sthanhisown。Mariestoodbeforetheprisoner，herarmscrossed，hercheekslivid，herlipstrembling。Itwasaterribleinterview。Thistimeitwasshewhothreatened，themanwhoentreatedpardon。Mariewasdeaftohisprayers，andtheheadofthelucklessmanfellbleedingatherfeet，andhermenthrewthebodyintothesea。ButGodneverallowsamurdertogounpunished：Jamespreferredthequeentohersister，andthewidowofCharlesofDurazzogainednothingbyhercrimebutthecontemptofthemansheloved，andabitterremorsewhichbroughtherwhileyetyoungtothetomb。
JoanwasmarriedinturntoJamesofAragon，sonoftheKingofMajorca，andtoOthoofBrunswick，oftheimperialfamilyofSaxony。
Wewillpassrapidlyovertheseyears，andcometothedenouementofthishistoryofcrimeandexpiation。James，partedfromhiswife，continuedhisstormycareer，afteralongcontestinSpainwithPetertheCruel，whohadusurpedhiskingdom：abouttheendoftheyear1375hediednearNavarre。OthoalsocouldnotescapetheDivinevengeancewhichhungoverthecourtofNaples，buttotheendhevaliantlysharedthequeen’sfortunes。Joan，sinceshehadnolawfulheir，adoptedhernephew，CharlesdelaPaix（socalledafterthepeaceofTrevisa）。HewasthesonofLouisDuras，whoafterrebellingagainstLouisofTarentum，haddiedmiserablyinthecastleofOvo。Thechildwouldhavesharedhisfather’sfatehadnotJoanintercededtosparehislife，loadedhimwithkindness，andmarriedhimtoMargaret，thedaughterofhersisterMarieandhercousinCharles，whowasputto，deathbytheKingofHungary。
Seriousdifferencesarosebetweenthequeenandoneofherformersubjects，BartolommeoPrigiani，whohadbecomepopeunderthenameofUrbanVI。Annoyedbythequeen’sopposition，thepopeonedayangrilysaidhewouldshutherupinaconvent。Joan，toavengetheinsult，openlyfavouredClementVII，theanti-pope，andofferedhimahomeinherowncastle，when，pursuedbyPopeUrban’sarmy，hehadtakenrefugeatFondi。ButthepeoplerebelledagainstClement，andkilledtheArchbishopofNaples，whohadhelpedtoelecthim：theybrokethecrossthatwascarriedinprocessionbeforetheanti-pope，andhardlyallowedhimtimetomakehisescapeonshipboardtoProvence。UrbandeclaredthatJoanwasnowdethroned，andreleasedhersubjectsfromtheiroathoffidelitytoher，bestowingthecrownofSicilyandJerusalemuponCharlesdelaPaix，whomarchedonNapleswith8000Hungarians。Joan，whocouldnotbelieveinsuchbaseingratitude，sentouthiswifeMargarettomeetheradoptedson，thoughshemighthavekeptherasahostage，andhistwochildren，LadislausandJoan，whobecamelaterthesecondqueenofthatname。
ButthevictoriousarmysoonarrivedatthegatesofNaples，andCharlesblockadedthequeeninhercastle，forgettinginhisingratitudethatshehadsavedhislifeandlovedhimlikeamother。
Joanduringthesiegeenduredalltheworstfatiguesofwarthatanysoldierhastobear。Shesawherfaithfulfriendsfallaroundherwastedbyhungerordecimatedbysickness。Whenallfoodwasexhausted，deadanddecomposedbodieswerethrownintothecastlethattheymightpollutetheairshebreathed。OthowithhistroopswaskeptatAversa;LouisofAnjou，thebrotheroftheKingofFrancewhomshehadnamedashersuccessorwhenshedisinheritedhernephew，neverappearedtohelpher，andtheProvenqalshipsfromClementVII
werenotduetoarriveuntilallhopemustbeover。Joanaskedforatruceoffivedays，promisingthat，ifOthohadnotcometorelieveherinthattime，shewouldsurrenderthefortress。
OnthefifthdayOtho’sarmyappearedonthesideofPiedigrotta。
Thefightwassharponbothsides，andJoanfromthetopofatowercouldfollowwithhereyesthecloudofdustraisedbyherhusband’shorseinthethickestofthebattle。Thevictorywaslonguncertain：
atlengththeprincemadesoboldanonsetupontheroyalstandard，inhis，eagernesstomeethisenemyhandtohand，thatheplungedintotheverymiddleofthearmy，andfoundhimselfpressedoneveryside。Coveredwithbloodandsweat，hisswordbrokeninhishand，hewasforcedtosurrender。AnhourlaterCharleswaswritingtohisuncle，theKingofHungary，thatJoanhadfallenintohispower，andheonlyawaitedHisMajesty’sorderstodecideherfate。
ItwasafineMaymorning：thequeenwasunderguardinthecastleofAversa：OthohadobtainedhislibertyonconditionofhisquittingNaples，andLouisofAnjouhadatlastgottogetheranarmyof50，000
menandwasmarchinginhothastetotheconquestofthekingdom。
NoneofthisnewshadreachedtheearsofJoan，whoforsomedayshadlivedincompleteisolation。Thespringlavishedallhergloryontheseenchantedplains，whichhaveearnedthenameoftheblessedandhappycountry，campagnafelite。Theorangetreeswerecoveredwithsweetwhiteblossoms，thecherriesladenwithrubyfruit，theoliveswithyoungemeraldleaves，thepomegranatefeatherywithredbells;
thewildmulberry，theevergreenlaurel，allthestrongbuddingvegetation，needingnohelpfrommantoflourishinthisspotprivilegedbyNature，madeonegreatgarden，hereandthereinterruptedbylittlehiddenrunlets。ItwasaforgottenEdeninthiscorneroftheworld。Joanatherwindowwasbreathingintheperfumesofspring，andhereyesmistywithtearsrestedonabedoffloweryverdurealightbreeze，keenandbalmy，blewuponherburningbrowandofferedagratefulcoolnesstoherdampandfeveredcheeks。
Distantmelodiousvoices，refrainsofwell-knownsongs，wereallthatdisturbedthesilenceofthepoorlittleroom，thesolitarynestwherealifewaspassingawayintearsandrepentance，alifethemostbrilliantandeventfulofacenturyofsplendourandunrest。
Thequeenwasslowlyreviewinginhermindallherlifesincesheceasedtobeachild——fiftyyearsofdisillusionmentandsuffering。
Shethoughtfirstofherhappy，peacefulchildhood，hergrandfather’sblindaffection，thepurejoysofherdaysofinnocence，theexcitinggameswithherlittlesisterandtallcousins。Thensheshudderedattheearliestthoughtofmarriage，theconstraint，thelossofliberty，thebitterregrets;sherememberedwithhorrorthedeceitfulwordsmurmuredinherear，designedtosowtheseedsofcorruptionandvicethatweretopoisonherwholelife。Thencametheburningmemoriesofherfirstlove，thetreacheryanddesertionofRobertofCabane，themomentsofmadnesspassedlikeadreaminthearmsofBertrandofArtois——thewholedramauptoitstragicdenouementshowedasinlettersoffireonthedarkbackgroundofhersombrethoughts。Thenarosecriesofanguishinhersoul，evenasonthatterriblefatalnightsheheardthevoiceofAndreaskingmercyfromhismurderers。Alongdeadlysilencefollowedhisawfulstruggle，andthequeensawbeforehereyesthecartsofinfamyandthetortureofheraccomplices。Alltherestofthisvisionwaspersecution，flight，exile，remorse，punishmentsfromGodandcursesfromtheworld。Aroundherwasafrightfulsolitude：husbands，lovers，kindred，friends，allweredead;allshehadlovedorhatedintheworldwerenownomore;herjoy，pain，desire，andhopehadvanishedforever。Thepoorqueen，unabletofreeherselffromthesevisionsofwoe，violentlytoreherselfawayfromtheawfulreverie，andkneelingataprie-dieu，prayedwithfervour。Shewasstillbeautiful，inspiteofherextremepallor;thenoblelinesofherfacekepttheirpureoval;thefireofrepentanceinhergreatblackeyeslitthemupwithsuperhumanbrilliance，andthehopeofpardonplayedinaheavenlysmileuponherlips。
SuddenlythedooroftheroomwhereJoanwassoearnestlyprayingopenedwithadullsound：twoHungarianbaronsinarmourenteredandsignedtothequeentofollowthem。Joanarosesilentlyandobeyed;
butacryofpainwentupfromherheartwhensherecognisedtheplacewherebothAndreandCharlesofDurazzohaddiedaviolentdeath。Butshecollectedherforces，andaskedcalmlywhyshewasbroughthither。Forallanswer，oneofthemenshowedheracordofsilkandgold……
\"MaythewillofajustGodbedone！\"criedJoan，andfelluponherknees。Someminuteslatershehadceasedtosuffer。
ThiswasthethirdcorpsethatwasthrownoverthebalconyatAversa。