Francesco had spoken with marked slowness and precision, that he might force himself to maintain his calm demeanor. To his own relief he finished the speech with no hint of a break in his tone, though gravely uncomfortable under the Viceroy's steady, searching gaze. Now, with a quiet gentleness that caused him to start painfully, he felt the latter's hand laid almost tenderly upon his arm. He gave a startled look into the frank, kindly face of the Apulian, and the response that met his eyes forced a swift wave of color into his bloodless cheeks. He would have almost preferred the rude brutality of Anjou's men to this generosity which left him no weapons for defence. He moved uneasily where he stood, and his breath came fast. He was very near to breaking. "You have my permission to execute your father's behest," the Viceroy replied while his eyes were fixed on the face of the youth. "Let but the office wait its hour! You have heard the tidings which have brought joy to every Ghibelline heart. You note our preparations to depart. Conradino has crossed the Alps. To him belongs our first duty! We are bound for Pavia!" Francesco gave an involuntary start. "I also am bound northward!" he said, and wished he had not spoken. The Viceroy nodded. "The better so! You ride with us!" Francesco looked up appealingly. His misery received a new shock from the Viceroy's lack of comprehension. "I fear that may not be," he faltered, then noting the Viceroy's puzzled look, he added: "The office I am bidden to perform, brooks no delay!" Count Capecé eyed him curiously. "What business may that be, more cogent than our own? On the hoof-beats of our horses hang the destinies of a kingdom! None may falter, none may turn back! I pry not into the nature of the office you are bidden to perform. Yet all personal interests should be suspended before the one all-absorbing task, that beckons us towards the Po!"-- "This business may not wait!" It was almost a wail that broke from Francesco's lips. How could he make him understand without revealing his father's shame! A shadow flitted across the Viceroy's brow. "You will move the more swiftly in our train!" A choking sensation had seized the youth. "It may not be,--I must ride,--alone!" he stammered. All the color had forsaken his face and his knees barely supported his body. "And when shall you return?" asked the Viceroy, feigning acquiescence. There was a moment's silence ere Francesco replied: "I fear, my lord,--I shall not return!" Count Capecé started. "You speak as if you were about to renounce the Court of Avellino forever," he replied after a brief pause, charged with apprehension. "What is the meaning of this? Why do you tremble? Your father is better of his illness! No messenger has reached us from San Cataldo. Is not your presence here proof of his recovery?" "When I left my father's side, his sickness was in nowise lessened," responded Francesco laconically.