"Yes, yes--you are right--the strangler."
"Hush, fool!" and Giulia Bella laid her hand on her friend's shoulder. "See, they come this way--be cool!"
In fact, Cesare had turned from his father without either of them exchanging a word, and was coming directly towards us. On the way he passed a group consisting of D'Amboise, Bayard, and the Cardinal of Strigonia. Valentinois stopped, and in his speechless way, held out his hand to Bayard, who merely bowed stiffly. Cesare's dark face whitened with rage, and dropping his hand to his side he walked straight on, and I could see that D'Amboise was expostulating with Bayard, and Strigonia openly laughing. This insult, however, had not added to Cesare's good temper; in fact, he came up to us as angry as a man could be, and after greeting his sister coldly, turned to St. Armande and looked at him in silence.
"It is usual, signore," said Don Michelotto to the chevalier, "to stand in the presence of a prince."
"I was not aware that you were a prince, sir," replied St. Armande, entirely ignoring the Borgia.
"You can give this young gentleman a lesson in manners at your leisure," said Cesare. "By your leave, sir," and giving his hand to his sister, who took it passively, he led her to another apartment, followed by Giulia Bella, who tapped a good-bye on St. Armande's arm with her closed fan.
Our group now consisted of Michelotto and myself standing, and St. Armande still sitting comfortably in the lounge, evidently examining the contour of his small and shapely foot. As for me, although I knew St. Armande to be grossly in the wrong, I was delighted with the sudden spirit he had shown. The youngster had heart, after all, and there was the making of a man in him.
Michelotto behaved with great composure.
"I trust, signore--I do not know your name--that you will give me the chance of carrying out the duke's commands."
"My name is St. Armande," replied the chevalier; "and I am ready now, if you wish it."