In the morning the council met again and resolved that the town should
return to its old obedience, and by surrendering without conditions
hoped to receive pardon for its offences. Lodovico Moro entered in
triumph, and going to the fortress was received by Caterina, who came
forth from the citadel and with him proceeded to the cathedral to hear
mass. The good Forlivesi were getting used to ovations; as the Countess
passed through the streets they received her with acclamation, thronging
the road on each side, blessing her, and her mother, and all her
ancestors. She went her way as indifferent as when she had crossed the
same streets a few days back amid the execrations of her faithful
subjects. The keen observers noticed the firm closing of her mouth,
which boded no particular good to the Forlivesi, and consequently
redoubled their shouts of joy.
The protonotary Savello had mysteriously disappeared when the news of
Checco's flight had been brought him; but Caterina was soon informed
that he had taken refuge in a Dominican monastery. A light smile broke
over her lips as she remarked,--
'One would rather have expected him to take refuge in a convent.'
Then she sent people to him to assure him of her good will and beg him
to join her. The good man turned pale at the invitation, but he dared
not refuse it. So, comforting himself with the thought that she dared
not harm the legate of the Pope, he clothed himself in all his courage
and his most gorgeous robes, and proceeded to the cathedral.