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.