"
He started under that reproof like a fiery stallion under the spur. His
face flushed scarlet. The habit of obedience may have been strong in
Falcone too; but it was obedience to men; with women he had never had much
to do, old warrior though he was. Moreover, in this he felt that an
affront had been put upon the memory of Giovanni d'Anguissola, who was my
father and who went nigh to being Falcone's god. And this his answer
plainly showed.
"The ways into which I lead your son, Madonna," said he in a low voice that
boomed up and echoed in the groined ceiling overhead, "are the ways that
were trod by my lord his father. And who says that the ways of Giovanni
d'Anguissola were evil ways lies foully, be he man or woman, patrician or
villein, pope or devil." And upon that he paused magnificently, his eyes
aflash.
She shuddered under his rough speech. Then answered without looking up,
and with no trace of anger in her voice:
"You are restored to health and strength by now, Messer Falcone. The
seneschal shall have orders to pay you ten gold ducats in discharge of all
that may be still your due from us. See that by night you have left
Mondolfo."
And then, without changing her deadly inflection, or even making a
noticeable pause, "Come, Agostino," she commanded.
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