We were in the garden when word was brought us, and I bade the herald be
admitted. Then I looked at Bianca. She was trembling and had turned very
white.
We spoke no word whilst they brought the messenger--a brisk fellow in his
black-and-yellow Austrian livery. He delivered me a sealed letter. It
proved to be a summons from Ferrante Gonzaga to appear upon the morrow
before the Imperial Court which would sit in the Communal Palace of
Piacenza to deliver judgment upon an indictment laid against me by Cosimo
d'Anguissola.
I looked at the herald, hesitation in my mind and glance. He held out a
second letter.
"This, my lord, I was asked by favour to deliver to you also."
I took it, and considered the superscription:
"These to the Most Noble Agostino d'Anguissola, at Pagliano.
Quickly.
Quickly.
Quickly."
The hand was Galeotto's. I tore it open. It contained but two lines:
"Upon your life do not fail to obey the Imperial summons. Send Falcone to
me here at once." And it was signed--"GALEOTTO."
"It is well," I said to the herald, "I will not fail to attend."
I bade the seneschal who stood in attendance to give the messenger
refreshment ere he left, and upon that dismissed him.
When we were alone I turned to Bianca. "Galeotto bids me go," I said.
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