D'Este's beautiful face flushed crimson.
"'Tis not always the leathern jacket comes out best at time of need, my lord," he said defiantly. "Try me in it in a fight."
Della Scala's glance softened; he laid his hand on the boy's shoulder gently.
"Thou art a d'Este and my brother, Vincenzo. I do not fear thy behavior in battle, only learn the harder part—to bear thyself while waiting."
Vincenzo was melted, but not caring to show it before Conrad, left the tent without reply.
"He hath the makings of a soldier in him for all his willfulness. I pray you pardon his present idleness, my lord, and hold me as the cause," said Conrad. "I should have roused him sooner."
Mastino glanced around. It was the first time he had entered the German's abode, and the lavishness of its appointments were not to his taste.
"This is an hour of great need, Count," he said gravely. "The downfall of Visconti cannot mean to you what it does to me—it cannot mean so much to any man—but am I not right in thinking it means all to you to see the Lady Valentine Visconti free?"
"All! All I care for under heaven. By all the saints, Prince, I will give my right arm to serve your cause, since it serves her," cried Conrad.