XXIX
關燈
小
中
大
asheappearedtheybrokeoutclamorously.
'Showustheletter!'
Savellorefused!Theyinsistedtheyaskedforthemessengerwhohadbroughtit.Savellosaidhehadbeensentback.Noneofushadseenletterormessengerthesuspicionseizedustoo,andCheccoasked,—
'Istherealetter?'
Savellolookedathimforamoment,andanswered,—
'No!'
'OhGod,whydidyousaytherewas?'
'Ifeltsurethearmywasontheway.Iwantedtogivethemconfidence.'
'Youfool!Nowtheywillbelievenothing.Youfool,youhavemuddledeverything!'
'Itisyou!YoutoldmethatthecitywasfirmforthePope.'
'Soitwastillyoucamewithyourliesandyourtreacheries.'
Savelloclosedhisfist,andIthoughthewasgoingtostrikeChecco.Ayellburstfromthepeople.
'Theletter!themessenger!'
Checcosprangtothewindow.
'Thereisnoletter!Theprotonotaryhasliedtoyou.NohelpiscomingfromRomenorfromFlorence!'
Thepeopleyelledagain,andanothercryarose,—
'Surrender!Surrender!'
'Surrenderatyourpleasure,'shoutedChecco,'butdonotthinkthattheDukewillforgiveyouforstrippingtheCountandinsultinghisbodyandsackinghisPalace.'
Savellowasstandingalone,struckdumbinhisrage.Checcoturnedtohimandsmiledmockingly.
