It waxed late, and the torpor that ensues upon the generous gratification of appetite was settling upon the company when Armstadt--Gian Maria's Swiss captain--entered and approached his master with the air of a man who is the bearer of news.

He halted a pace or two from the Duke's high-backed chair, and stood eyeing Gian Maria in stupid patience.
"Well, fool ?" growled the Duke, turning his head.
The Swiss approached another step.

"They have brought him, Highness," he said in a confidential whisper.
"Am I a wizard that I must read your thoughts ?" hectored Gian Maria.
"Who has brought whom ?" Armstadt eyed the company in hesitation.

Then, stepping close to the Duke, he murmured in his ear: "The men I left behind have brought the fool--Ser Peppe." A sudden brightening of the eye showed that Gian Maria understood.
Without apology to the board, he turned and whispered back to his captain to have the fellow taken to his chamber, there to await him.
"Let a couple of your knaves be in attendance, and do you come too, Martino." Martin bowed, and withdrew, whereupon Gian Maria found grace to crave his host's pardon, with the explanation that the man had brought him news he had been expecting.

Valdicampo, who for the honour of having a Duke sleep beneath his roof would have stomached improprieties far more flagrant, belittled the matter and dismissed it.