"This is no light to play by," cried Vincenzo, and in annoyance he moved with too little thought.
Conrad waited provokingly till fresh wine had been brought and drunk, patted Vittore's head, and turned to the game again.
"Mate, Messer Vincenzo, in three moves." And he leaned back with the calm air of a conqueror.
Vincenzo rose in a passion, dashing his glass to the ground.
"I question thy fair play," he cried.
"And I thy discretion," returned the Count, and his eyes were suddenly wrathful. "Thou art a child, and canst not play; and so like a child cry out: 'You cheat.'"
"I said no word of cheating," returned Vincenzo. "Is the accusation one you are accustomed to, Count Conrad?"
Conrad crimsoned. "Play another time with thy equals, boy, and take better care not to insult thy betters!"
"Betters!" And Vincenzo laughed in reckless scorn, his hand on his toy-like dagger. "A d'Este demeans himself to play with thee—thou German upstart!"
But Conrad was to be moved no more. With a smile more provoking than any reply he picked up the rings and slipped them on his finger.