And she advanced toward the ominously closed door.
The page looked uneasy. He had no wish to face Visconti in his fury. Yet well he knew he dared not leave his charge.
Valentine tapped at the door with gentle fingers.
"Gian!" she called.
"Lady, this is madness!" cried the page, startled into speech.
She looked over her shoulder.
"I am also a Visconti, boy," she said. "Why should I fear the Duke?"
"Gian!" she called again, her beautiful head close to the dark panels. "I have something here of great moment. Why let everyone know thou art so moved? Gian! Thou makest thyself a mock; dost thou fear Count Conrad, that his escape moves thee so?"
A pause: then with a smile Valentine stepped back a pace or two into the chamber.
"The Duke comes!" she said, and the page turned pale.