to such and such place, come back to such and such place; the carriage will stay here; in eight hours from now your lordship shall be satisfied.”  The man of position nodded his agreement, acknowledged with another nod a low bow from his inferior, and walked into Florence.  As he entered the Via de’ Benci I saw him plainly.  It was the Marchese Semifonte.  I saw his pale, wandering eyes, his moth-white face.  So then I knew who was the other, standing out in the Piazza by himself, looking up towards my room.

CHAPTER XXVII

I SLAY A MAN

A sudden desire, whose origin I could not have defined, unless it sprang directly from alarm on her account, moved me away from the window towards the door of Virginia’s room.  I listened at it, but could hear nothing, so presently (fearing some wild intention of sacrifice on her part) I lifted the latch and looked in.  No—­she was there and asleep.  I could see the dark masses of her hair, hear her quick breathing, as impatient as a child’s, and as innocent.  Poor, faithful, ignorant, passionate creature—­had I wronged her?  Did not her vehemence spring from loyalty?  If she was mistaken, was it her fault?  For what could she—­ that unkempt companion of pigs and chicken, offspring of parents little higher in degree—­what could she know of exalted love?  What, indeed?

I lit a candle and went to look at her.  I considered her carefully, lying there prone, her face turned sideways to the pillow, one bare arm flung over her eyes.  She looked beautiful asleep, for her mouth had relaxed its look of proud reserve, and all her lines were softened.  She looked very tired, very pure, very young.

“God of Nature!” thought I.  “Assuredly Thou didst not shape this fine, true creature for some villain’s idle appetite.  Assuredly also Thou didst put her in my way for her salvation—­and, may be, for mine.  I accept the sign.  Do Thou, therefore, stand my friend.”  I shut the door softly and returned to my parlour.  Very cautiously I drew near the window and peered out.

It was well that I took care.  Fra Palamone was immediately underneath the window, grinning up, showing his long tooth, and picking at his beard.  I do not think I ever saw such a glut of animal enjoyment in a man’s face before.  There was not the glimmer of a doubt what he intended.  Semifonte had been told of his bondslave, and Palamone’s hour of triumph was at hand.  He would bring a warrant; no doubt he had it by him; he waited only for the police.  I was laid by the heels.

A gust of anger, like a puff of hot wind, blew upon me and made my skin prick me.  All that I had endured at this rascal’s hands swelled within; and now I remembered also that I, a gentleman by birth and training, had been the galled slave of a low ruffian, who now intended to sell into vice and infamy an honest girl whom I was pledged to protect.  Well-being, rehabilitation, the respect of my own world had done their work.  He had to do with a man now, I told myself, not with a boy.  I went to my bureau, took out, primed and cocked my pistols, returned to the window and showed myself full to the frate.