And again he turned to leave, this time Conrad at his heels, when a soft voice arrested him, Julia Gonzaga's.
"I have this to say before thou leavest us, Della Scala," she said. "All I have, Mantua and its lands, are at thy disposal, and I am proud so great a captain as my lord of Verona should command my men."
Mastino turned, his eyes sparkling with joy.
"My greatest thanks for thy gift, lady," he said, "and still more for the gracious manner of thy giving." And before he could say more Vincenzo rose impulsively.
"Shall we be outdone by a woman!" he cried, his beautiful face flushed. "It goes not with our honor, father, we should leave Mantua to fight Visconti!"
Ippolito no less was roused.
He stepped toward Mastino and held out his hand.
"I ask thy pardon for too much wariness," he said with a faint smile. "I am as proud now as ever of my relationship to thee, and everything within my hands is thine to use as thou wilt against Visconti." Mastino grasped his hand convulsively.
"Thou shalt not repent it," he said, his generous soul melted at once. "While I live thou shalt not repent."