On this, back came the Duchess, in very miscellaneous toilette; and she was met by a general turn-out of the people of Fondi--a rough, wild-looking set at their best, poor creatures! furnishing more than their due quota, then as now, to the briganti. In the midst were two biers, supporting the corpses of men who had been slain in the late attack, and borne by monks, while the populace confusedly pressed around them, beating their breasts, tearing their hair, and filling the air with their lamentations. These were redoubled at sight of the Duchess, whose tender heart melted at the scene. The sight of their liege-lady in tears redoubled their woe; they closed round her, kissing her dress, hands, and feet, recounting their losses, and each doing his possible to prove himself more in want of solace than the rest. She condoled with all, promised monetary restitution to the living and masses for the dead; and, to crown all, proceeded straight to church to give thanks for her deliverance and pray for the souls of the slain. Then she re-entered her castle in a chastened frame of mind. "Caterina," said she to her old nurse, "how little we know what a few hours may bring forth! It seems an age since yesterday. What a turn it gave me when Cynthia first shrieked out! By the way, do you think she was really frightened?" "Really frightened, Eccellenza?" "Yes. Do you not think it possible she might be glad the Moors were landing and might carry her off?" "Barbarossa, Signora?" "Well, I know it was Barbarossa; but still he was her own countryman, and--" "I do not think she would acknowledge Barbarossa for a countryman, Illustrissima. She claims descent from the old Moors of Grenada--from the Abencerrages." "Oh, yes, she may claim descent, and call herself a princess and all that. They all do, I believe. You should have seen her look when I told her Mahound was a false prophet--" "She's very touchy about that, I well know," said Caterina. "Touchy? Why, I believe she prays to him still--swears by him at any rate. There is no sounding the depths of these Paynims." "I believe you would find great love for yourself in the depths of Cynthia's heart,--poor, darkened young thing--if you could sound it, Signora." "Ah, but unfortunately, I cannot; and she behaved very improperly to me in the cavern." "You shock me, Illustrissima!" "She thrust the lamp into my hand, saying: 'Hold the light!' and stamped!" "Inconceivable! Abominable!" ejaculated Caterina. "What could she have been thinking of?" "And she brandished a dagger! Not to kill me, but telling me to kill _her_. So uncalled for!" "I fear I must give her up," said Caterina, "though Perez lent her the dagger to defend you, and she has returned it. I was beginning to grow fond of her. She must be corrected, Signora." "Well, truly, I think she must. Let me speak to her first. I dare say she is as hard as a stone. Call her."