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。