He raised his hand as before, and, with the outstretched fingers, repeated the blessing.
XXVII
WE went to the fortress in solemn procession, the people, as we passed, mingling shouts of praise for Checco with yells of derision for Caterina. She walked on with her stately indifference, and when the protonotary addressed her, repelled him with disdain.
The Castellan was summoned, and the Countess addressed him in the words which Savello had suggested,—
'As Heaven has taken the Count from me, and also the city, I beg you, by the confidence I showed in choosing you as Castellan, to surrender this fortress to the ministers of His Holiness the Pope.'
There was a light tinge of irony in her voice, and her lips showed the shadow of a smile.
The Castellan replied gravely,—
'By the confidence you showed in choosing me as Castellan, I refuse to surrender this fortress to the ministers of his Holiness the Pope. And as Heaven has taken the Count from you, and also the city, it may take the citadel too, but, by God! madam, no power on earth shall.'
Caterina turned to Savello,—
'What shall I do?'