There was a meaning pause, and d'Orleans grew restless in the silence and moved away.
Valentine sent after him a look of bitter scorn, then walked slowly up to Graziosa and saluted her humbly, though her eyes were burning brightly.
Visconti watched them keenly, and noticed with displeasure how crushed and silent Graziosa showed before his brilliant sister: she shrank into herself, as if she divined the scorn Valentine concealed, and could scarce stammer a few words of greeting in reply.
"I must back to the palace, Graziosa," said Visconti, as they reached the garden, and his eyes roved over the crowd of attendants for Giannotto's figure. "Remember these are all at thy commands—and, for the present, then farewell."
To Valentine he said nothing, but turned away toward the palace with the secretary.
Graziosa looked after him, a little pained; she had noticed he was always different when his sister was there. Valentine had noticed it too, and guessed the cause, and the knowledge gave a triumph to her beauty that made it dazzling indeed.
"I fear I interrupted your discourse," she said with another curtsey.
"Indeed no, lady," replied Graziosa, timidly. "Will you not come within with me from the sun?"
"Nay, that were too much of an honor," said Valentine. "Are you not my brother's promised wife—and the savior of Milan?"