He heard the Count's laugh, and the sound of it was fuel to his anger.

But Francesco only thought of the splendid daring of the lady's action.
"But these men-at-arms that she had with her ?" he cried.

"For what purpose so numerous a bodyguard ?" The captain looked at him a moment.
"Can you not guess ?" he inquired.

"Perhaps you do not know the Castle of Roccaleone." "It were odd if I did not know the most impregnable fortress in Italy." "Why, then, does it not become clear?
She has taken this company for a garrison, and in Roccaleone she clearly intends to resist in rebel fashion the wishes of his Highness." At that the Count threw back his head, and scared the passers-by with as hearty a peal of laughter as ever crossed his lips.
"By the Host!" he gasped, laughter still choking his utterance.

"There is a maid for you! Do you hear what the captain says, Fanfulla?
She means to resist this wedding by armed force if needs be.