He paused, and took his seat in the large black chair, looking keenly at their faces.
For a moment no one answered, then Giacomo leaned forward with a deprecating smile.
"My lord of Verona," he said smoothly, "you ask us to venture everything—and give us five days in which to decide—surely you are not surprised our answer is not quite ready?"
Mastino della Scala bit his lip to keep back an angry reply.
"Five hours were enough in such a case as this, my lord," he said quietly.
Now d'Este spoke hastily. "We have come to a resolution, Mastino—one in which we all agree," and he looked questioningly around upon the others. No one answered, and, taking silence for consent, Ippolito continued:
"We will aid thee, Mastino, I and Carrara, and the Duchess of Mantua——"
He paused a little nervously, and Giacomo kept his bright black eyes on Mastino's face.
"My lord of Ferrara says rightly," he put in smoothly. "I will second him."