But Dama Margherita was already far down the narrow stone corridor, beyond hearing the confession of failing courage which would have brought her instantly back, when a tapestry was thrust hastily aside, and Maestro Gentile, the old white-haired physician, fully armed, but with the air of a hunted man, tottered into the room. "They seek my life," he gasped, "I know not why. I came through the terror lest your Majesty should need me--for it is a night!--San Nicolo save us!" "Madonna mia!" the Queen cried piteously with clasped hands, "I do not understand!" "It is the time for reckoning, fair Majesty; and those who have the power shall rule." The Archbishop of Nikosia had entered the Queen's apartment unperceived and stood watching her with eyes of triumph. She shrank from him with a sudden comprehension of his false nature, while he offered his explanation in a voice that struck her sensitive soul like a blow. Instinctively she drew nearer to the old physician as if craving some stay, and laid her hand affectionately on his arm; then she pointed to the door: "Leave us at least the courtesy of our apartment!" she exclaimed indignantly to the Archbishop; "your Grace came unannounced." "I came to bring your Majesty news of import," he began, taking no notice of her command. "His Majesty of Naples----" Was he indeed about to confess his connection with the intriguing King of Naples, of which there had been more than one rumor? Aluisi had bidden her weigh the Primate's counsels before accepting them. "We will hear your news in presence of the Councillors of the Realm, whom I have already summoned," the Queen interrupted, raising her fragile hand with a motion of silence--her slight trembling figure held erect by force of will, her head thrown back--her eyes flashing scorn--her voice steadied by a supreme effort. He paused, half in admiration, half in triumph, gloating over the success of the conspiracy of which he had been the master-mind, while he picked the words in which he would announce it to his victim, as one might choose the pebbles for a sling--the smoothest and the sharpest. "It is scarce fitting that your Majesty should be last to hear what is already proclaimed throughout Famagosta," he said, "that Alfonso of Naples hath been created Prince of Galilee and Heir to Cyprus." She looked at him with a scorn that burned. "Is your Grace a _man_," she said, "to use this speech? Or do I not hear aright--from the horror of this night?" Then she turned to Maestro Gentile, compassionate and protecting. "It cannot be that any should seek thy life," she said. "Thou art my friend:--I will shield thee here--_Madonna Sanctissima_! I cannot think--let us pray that this horror pass!" She put her hands over her eyes and sank upon her knees, and Maestro Gentile knelt beside her.