[CHAPTER IV]
PROSERPINA
FRANCESCO arrived at Avellino at dusk. It was the hour when the castle courtyard was comparatively deserted. Only two bow-men guarded the lowered drawbridge, and they paid little heed to the familiar form of the youth as he slowly rode through the gate.
Throwing the reins of his steed to an attendant, Francesco dismounted and entered the castle, undecided what to do first. Seeing a page lounging in the hallway, he inquired if the Viceroy was in his apartments.
"He returned from the falcon hunt at dusk and has retired," came the response.
"Go, ask him if he will receive me," Francesco entreated, heavy-hearted.
The page bowed and ran up the winding stairway, leaving Francesco to wait in the hall below.
Presently he returned.