XXXI
In the morning the council met again and resolved that the town shouldreturn to its old obedience, and by surrendering without conditionshoped to receive pardon for its offences. Lodovico Moro entered intriumph, and going to the fortress was received by Caterina, who cameforth from the citadel and with him proceeded to the cathedral to hearmass. The good Forlivesi were getting used to ovations; as the Countesspassed through the streets they received her with acclamation, throngingthe road on each side, blessing her, and her mother, and all herancestors. She went her way as indifferent as when she had crossed thesame streets a few days back amid the execrations of her faithfulsubjects. The keen observers noticed the firm closing of her mouth,which boded no particular good to the Forlivesi, and consequentlyredoubled their shouts of joy.
The protonotary Savello had mysteriously disappeared when the news ofChecco's flight had been brought him; but Caterina was soon informedthat he had taken refuge in a Dominican monastery. A light smile brokeover 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 himto join her. The good man turned pale at the invitation, but he darednot refuse it. So, comforting himself with the thought that she darednot harm the legate of the Pope, he clothed himself in all his courageand his most gorgeous robes, and proceeded to the cathedral.
When she saw him she lifted up two fingers and said solemnly,--
'The peace of God be upon you!'
Then, before he could recover himself, she went on,--
'Sir, it has always been my hope that I should some day meet thegentleman whose fame has reached me as the most talented, most beautifuland most virtuous of his day.'
'Madam--' he interrupted.
'Sir, I beseech you bravely to bear your evil fortunes. Do you not knowthat fortune is uncertain? If the city has been taken from you, it isthe will of God, and as a Christian you must with resignation submityourself to His decrees.'
It was the beginning of her revenge, and one could see how sweet it was.The courtiers were sniggering at Caterina's speech, and Savello was thepicture of discomfort.
'Messer Savello,' she proceeded, 'on a previous meeting you made me somevery excellent admonitions on the will of God; now, notwithstandingyour order, I am going to be so bold as to give you some equallyexcellent lessons on the same subject. If you will take your place by myside, you will have every opportunity of examining the ways of theAlmighty, which, as you may remember you remarked, are inscrutable.'
Savello bowed and advanced to the place pointed out to him.