He placed his pearl thumb-ring beside Vincenzo's emerald.
"Four moves!" cried Vincenzo scornfully, and leaned back with shining eyes. Conrad reached for the glasses with a glance of good humor at the dozing page.
"A night from the infernal regions!" he said, as he poured out the wine. "How does Visconti feel to-night? Methinks some kinsfolk of his from below are abroad."
Vincenzo emptied his glass and moved.
Conrad emptied his and counter-moved. "I hope thy emerald was not a lady's gift," he laughed.
Vincenzo bit his lip, reflected long, and moved again.
Conrad turned to the slender flasks and lifted them, one after the other; empty all.
"Vittore!" he called. "Vittore!"
The boy rose, rubbing his eyes, half-dazed.
"Bring us more wine, Vittore." Conrad turned to the board again and laughed at Vincenzo's intent face. "My move," he said; his plump hand hesitated scarcely a breath. "Check, Messer Vincenzo."