But scarce had he begun when he was interrupted by the arrival of Fanfulla degli Arcipreti, whom Lanciotto ushered in.
Francesco's face lighted at sight of his friend, and he held out his hand.
"What is it that has happened ?" cried the young gallant, adding that which showed his question to be unnecessary, for from Fabrizio da Lodi he had had the whole story of what was befallen.

He sat himself upon the bed, and utterly disregarding the presence of Zaccaria--whom he knew to be faithful--he attempted to persuade the Count where Fabrizio had failed.

But Paolo cut him short ere he had gone very far.
"Have done with that," he said, and for all that he said it with a laugh, determination sounded sturdy in his accents.

"I am a knight-errant, not a prince, and I'll not be converted from one to the other.

It were making a helot of a free man, and you do not love me, Fanfulla, if you drive this argument further.