"Now art thou happy, donna mia?" he said. "Hast thou all that thou couldst wish?"
"More than I ever dreamed of, my lord," she answered softly. "I did not know the world could be so beautiful—or so happy."
"'Tis but a small return, Graziosa, my beloved, for what thou hast done for me," returned Visconti. "And I will make it more—this is but an earnest of the future. Visconti's wife shall live in such splendor that men shall not see her for its dazzle."
"What am I, that thou shouldst give me so much joy!" cried Graziosa, with swimming eyes.
Visconti smiled.
"Thou art thyself—it is enough!"
He turned to his companion, who stood respectfully at some little distance.
"Come hither, Messer Gambera. Here is a lady who shall often pray within your church—my betrothed, who saved us Milan."
Messer Gambera bowed low, and kissed the hem of her gown.
Visconti watched his homage with pleased pride, and turned again to Graziosa.