"Yes," said Graziosa innocently. "My lord bade me ride to the new church."
She was very happy, and affection welled up in her tender heart, even for the woman who had used her so cruelly—for she was Gian's sister.
With a timid gesture she held out her little hand to Valentine.
"Will you not ride back beside me?" she asked, pleadingly.
But Valentine ignored her hand and her request.
"Have you visited any other churches in your ride?" she asked.
"What other church in Milan should interest the Lady Graziosa?" asked d'Orleans wearily, fearing to be sent back on some distasteful journey.
"I did not know—I thought there might be one—Santa Maria, close to the western gate."
And Valentine looked straight at Graziosa, who paled beneath her tone.
"How should that interest me?" she faltered.