'I had other things to do than think of him. I had to think of you, and get you out of the trap that threatened you.'
'And I say that you would have best done that by attacking on your own side, as we agreed.'
'We never agreed that I should attack. But only that I should pretend to attack. I had not the means to push home an escalade.' His suavity suddenly departed. 'But it seems to me that I begin to defend myself.' He reached for his steel cap, and stood up.
'It becomes necessary!' cried Carmagnola, who in two strides was at his side.
'Only that I should defend myself from a charge of rashness in having yielded to your insistence to attempt this night-attack. There was a chance, I thought, of success, and since the alternative of starving the place would entail a delay of months, I took that chance. It has missed, and so forces me to a course I've been considering from the outset. To-morrow I shall raise the siege.'
'You'll raise the siege!'
That ejaculation of amazement came in chorus.
'Not only of Vercelli, but also of Mortara.'
'You'll raise the siege, sir?' It was Gian Giacomo who spoke now. 'And what then?'
'That shall be decided to-morrow in council. It is almost daybreak. I'll wish you a good repose, madonna, and you, sirs.' He bowed to the company and moved to the door.