Part Two, Chapter II Summary

When Richard finally returned from battle three weeks later, Mariotta found him entirely unsociable. They had been apart for so much of their few months of marriage that she now found him to be a stranger. Mariotta complained bitterly to Sybilla who rose to her son's defense. At that vulnerable time Mariotta began receiving anonymous jewels. Mariotta was still seething and feeling unappreciated. In a quiet act of rebellion she began to wear the jewels to see if Richard would notice. She hoped to obtain a reaction from him but he was oblivious. The only enjoyment in Mariotta's days was Sybilla's Philosopher's Stone experiment. Sybilla had hired the gypsy, Johnie Bullo, to turn lead into gold for her. The transmutation experiment was lengthy and expensive, so in exchange for his efforts Sybilla gave him free room and...