'Nor did I, madonna, until this moment. It was the Marquis Theodore who made him known to me.' She fancied in Aliprandi's tone something that seemed to disclaim responsibility. But she turned affably to the newcomer, and Bellarion marvelled at the ease with which she dissembled. 'I knew the Count of Biandrate well when I was a child, and I hold his memory very dear. He was in my father's service once, as you will know. I rejoice in the greatness he has since achieved. It should make a brave tale.' '_Per aspera ad astra_ is ever a brave tale,' Bellarion answered soberly. 'Too often it is _per astra ad aspera_, if I may judge by what I have read.' 'You shall tell me of your father, sir. I have often wished to hear the story of his advancement.' 'To command, highness.' He bowed again. The others drew closer, expecting entertainment. But Bellarion, who had no such entertainment to bestow, nor knew of Facino's life more than a fragment of what was known to all the world, extricated himself as adroitly as he could. 'I am no practised troubadour or story-singer. And this tale of a journey to the stars should be told under the stars.' 'Why, so it shall, then. They shine brightly enough. You shall show me Facino's and perhaps your own.' She rose and commanded her ladies to attend her. Castruccio fetched a sigh of relief. 'Give thanks,' he said audibly to those about him, 'for Heaven's mercy which has spared you this weariness.' The door at the end of the hall stood open to the terrace and the moonlight. Thither the Princess conducted Bellarion, her ladies in close attendance. Approaching the threshold they came upon the Marquis Gian Giacomo, reeling clumsily beside the Countess of Ronsecco, who was almost on the point of tears. He paused in his caperings that he might ogle his sister. 'Where do you go, Valeria? And who's this long-shanks?' She approached him. 'You are tired, Giannino, and the Countess, too, is tired. You would be better resting awhile.' 'Indeed, highness!' cried the young Countess, eagerly thankful. But the Marquis was not at all of his sister's wise opinion. 'Tired? Resting! You're childish, Valeria. Always childish. Childish and meddlesome. Poking your long nose into everything. Some day you'll poke it into something that'll sting it. And what will it look like when it's stung? Have you thought of that?' He laughed derisively, and caught the Countess by the arm. 'Let's leave long-nose and long-shanks. Ha! Ha!' His idiotic laughter shrilled up. He was ravished by his own humour. He let his voice ring out that all might hear and share the enjoyment of his comical conceit. 'Long-nose and long-shanks! Long-nose and long-shanks! 'Said she to him, your long-shanks I adore. Said he to her, your long-nose I deplore.'