And it is ever an ill thing to trust a traitor.

Who once betrays may betray again." That she manifested no resentment, but, on the contrary, readily agreed with me, showed me how idle had been that jealousy of mine, and made me ashamed of it.
"Why yes," she mused, "it is the very thought that had occurred to me, and caused me to spurn the aid he proffered when last he was here." "Ah!" I cried.

"What aid was that ?" "You must know, Lazzaro," said she, "that he comes often to Pesaro from Cesena, being a man in whom the Duke places great trust, and on whom he has bestowed considerable powers.

He never fails to lie at the Palace when he comes, and he seems to--to have conceived a regard for me.

He is a man of twice my years," she added hurriedly, "and haply looks upon me as he might upon a daughter." I sniffed the air.