"As I say, thou darest me far because thou art worth something to my plans—but I have the power, and I keep it."
She was silent, and he turned to pass back into his own room. But at the same moment Giannotto spoke. He had entered unobserved, and drew near his master with an obsequious movement.
But Visconti met him with a snarl.
"I will see no one! Did I not say so? Take care, Giannotto, lest I see thee too often."
The secretary paled, but kept his composure. He had learned that to shrink before Visconti only served to arouse him the more.
"I would merely say, my lord," he remarked, "Alberic da Salluzzo awaits further orders."
"Hath he found the Count?" flashed Visconti.
"My lord, no; nor trace of him, unless these parchments be one."
"Thou hast another there?"
Giannotto, bowing low, handed Visconti a packet. His head was bent, his eyes downcast, and the smile that flickered over his thin lips unseen.