"Shut the door," she whispered. "Climb up and shut the top bolt."
The boy obeyed.
"No one has been?"
"No, lady; you have been quick."
"Quick!" gasped Valentine. "I thought I had been years."
She unclasped her mantle and gave it to the boy. "Take that back to my room—say I was too hot—give it to Costanza—she alone is in my confidence, as thou knowest; let no one stop thee—and listen—by to-morrow we shall be outside the gates."
The page turned away with her mantle on his arm, and Valentine leaned against the wall, and with her hand upon her heart, took a moment to steady herself; then with excited eyes, but even steps, she too walked slowly along the balcony toward the banqueting hall.
* * * * *
"The Duke has not returned," said de Lana.
He spoke a little anxiously, and looked around at the others who filled the council chamber, a few nobles, and the principal captains of the army and the mercenaries who defended Milan.