Ilaria made no reply to the taunting voice of her lord, and Raniero, after having waited for some time, continued:
"You have no answer, Madonna? Shall I tell you what you already know?"—
Ilaria regarded him out of shadowy eyes, then flashed:
"Speak out, and save me riddles!"
There was a suggestion of scorn in her voice. Raniero, moistening his lips, frowned.
"For your good welcome I give you thanks," he snarled.
"What brought you here?" she queried.
"If it had been your beauty, Madonna—"
With a gesture, she cut him short.
"Your courtesy bribes me to silence!"