“I know better, madame,” said Sforza. “To convince you that equivocation is useless, I will tell you what has happened. Little more than an hour ago two well-mounted horsemen arrived at the Porta Romana, and presented a safe-conduct purporting to be for Galeazzo Visconti and his esquire. What was the astonishment of the captain of the guard, while scrutinising the self-styled Visconti--the real Galeazzo being well known to him--to recognise the commander of the French army, the Admiral Bonnivet. He made no remark, however, but allowed the Admiral and his companion to enter the city, feeling it to be of the highest importance to ascertain their design. He therefore followed them with half a dozen men to the Piazza del Duomo, where Bonnivet dismounted, and leaving his horse in charge of his esqrire, marched off, fancying himself unobserved--but the captain of the guard and two soldiers were on his track. They saw him pause before this palace. You, countess, were on the balcony. They heard your lover--for such he must be--exchange a few words with you, after which he was admitted. As soon as this took place, the captain of the guard hastened to the ducal palace to acquaint me with the important discovery he had made. I came hither at once.” “You have come quickly, duke, but you have come too late,” rejoined Beata. “He you seek is gone.” “Not so, madame,” rejoined Sforza, smiling incredulously. “The gates have been closely watched ever since the Admiral entered the palace. No one has come forth. Where is he?”. “If your highness will dismiss your attendants, I will tell you,” she replied. “Withdraw,” said Sforza to the guard, “but remain outside. Now, madame?” he added, when they were alone. Before the countess could make any reply the door of the closet opened, and Bonnivet stepped forth. “Imprudent!” she exclaimed. “You have betrayed yourself.” “Discovery was certain, madame,” remarked Sforza. “I am obliged to the Lord Admiral for saving me further trouble. My lord, you are my prisoner.” “Not yet, duke,” rejoined Bonnivet, who did not appear at all uneasy; “I have a proposition to make to your highness, which I think will be agreeable to you. You must be quite certain that I did not come to Milan with any hostile intent.” “I do not ask the motive of your visit, my lord,” replied Sforza. “It is sufficient that you are here--and my prisoner.” “Hear me out, duke,” said Bonnivet. “I have to propose an exchange of prisoners.” “An exchange!--ha! Whom do you offer?” “Giovanni de' Medici,” replied Bonnivet. “Giovanni de' Medici!” echoed Sforza, in surprise. “I did not know he was a prisoner.” “I took him this morning,” returned Bonnivet. “Let me return to Abbiate-Grasso, and I will set him free.” “You underrate yourself, Admiral,” said Sforza. “I shall lose by the exchange.” “I will add ten thousand ducats,” said Bonnivet. “Excuse the doubt, my lord; but have you that sum?” demanded Sforza.