The San Francisco call., 1907-06-23

The page turned away with her man
tie on his arm and Valentine leaned
against the wall, and with her hand
upon her heart took a moment to steady
herself; then with excited eyes. but
with even steps. she. too. walked slowly
along the balcony toward the banquet
ing hall.
THE duke has not returned, said
De Lana.
He spoke little anxiously and
looked around at the others who filled
the council chamber, a few mobiles, and
the principal captains of the army and
the mercenaries who defended Milan.
Meanwhile, from whom do I take
my orders? Who commands in Milan"
II cannot answer my Iord,'' said Gian-
MOTTO. The duke left no orders, at
least with me-
THE duke expected not to be gone so
long, said Martin della Tore. "And
I'll it will be for him il he stays too
long
Meanwhile" cried De Lana again, ito
whom are we to look?"
The two pages announced the Lady
Valentine.
The men glanced at one another.
"'The Lady Valentine repeated Clan
MOTTO to De Lana. '.tShe may tell Us
what to do"
terms of jeopardy she stood on with the
duke-but it was a shifting of respon-
sibility that he welcomed.
All in the room rose to the feet TO
greet Valentine.
She. was leaning on D'Orleans' arm.
Adrian and her women following.
She looked regal glorious There
was fine color in her cheeks.
De Lana kissed her hand. She did
not wait for him to speak; her eyes
wandered over the assembled faces.
II have not come before, my lords"
she said. because I thought the duke
might at any moment be again among
us; but now. hearing you were gath
cred here and that there was some
question as to who should issue orders
for him, / am come to answer it in
person."
She drew nearer the head of the
table. D'orleans dropping step be-
hind
My lords. the duke left me in power;
in any absence he may make, enforced
or at his pleasure rule in Milan
You, lady, cried Giannotto, the
words forced from him in his great
surprise.
IT, answered Valentine. Though
y am no mani am visconti. Has
not the duke left me in charge before.
DE Lamar"
She turned to the captain as she
spoke
I'm the late war with Florence-yes.
lady"
Valentine smiled.
Still. l need not ask you to believe
me ON that on1y-lest any should be
doubtful. / have proofs"
.'Methinks they are needed before we
take the law from thee. LADY, said
Martin della Tore. roughly.
this, Lord della Torre?" she replied.
And she laid visconti's signet ring
and seal upon the table
Giannotto choked his wonder back.
Does the duke give these to any
save those he trusts--and these?'' She
showed the keys lying on her open
hand: the key of the armory. the treas
ury, the prisons-the master keys of
the whole palace.
HE gave them to me-when,
Adrian?"
Yesterday morning, lady"
Yesterday morning. He had not
left too hastily even for speech. he
would have made it public; doubtless
he thought you would accept my word
land these proofs"
There was silence.
Are you convinced, lords?" asked
Valentine
Il am" said Giannotto. bowine to
hide the twinkle in his ugly eyes; and
the others, each according to his
fashion. murmured an assent
And now / will take upon me my
brothers duties" continued Valentine.
For you, De Lana have no COM
nlands; only look we'll to the arming
of the walls. lest not my brother say
we were idle in his absence: I would
have the soldiers in readiness to guard
against a surprise-and meanwhile I
ask your company"
De Lana bowed