But I took little thought for them or pride in such an escort now.
My heart was leaden. I had not seen Bianca again ere I departed, and
Heaven knew when we should return to Pagliano. Thus at least was I
answered by Galeotto when I made bold to ask the question.
Two days we rode, going by easy stages, and came at last upon that
wondrously fair and imposing city of Milan, in the very heart of the vast
plain of Lombardy with the distant Alps for background and northern
rampart.
Our destination was the castle; and in a splendid ante-chamber, packed with
rustling, silken courtiers and clanking captains in steel, a sprinkling of
prelates and handsome, insolent-eyed women, more than one of whom reminded
me of Giuliana, and every one of whom I disparaged by comparing her with
Bianca, Galeotto and I stood waiting.
To many there he seemed known, and several came to greet him and some to
whisper in his ear. At last a pert boy in a satin suit that was striped in
the Imperial livery of black and yellow, pushed his way through the throng.
"Messer Galeotto," his shrill voice announced, "his excellency awaits you."
Galeotto took my arm, and drew me forward with him. Thus we went through a
lane that opened out before us in that courtly throng, and came to a
curtained door.
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