CHAPTERI
Inthenightofthe15thofJanuary1343，whiletheinhabitantsofNapleslaywrappedinpeacefulslumber，theyweresuddenlyawakenedbythebellsofthethreehundredchurchesthatthisthriceblessedcapitalcontains。Inthemidstofthedisturbancecausedbysorudeacallthefirstboughtinthemindofallwasthatthetownwasonfire，orthatthearmyofsomeenemyhadmysteriouslylandedundercoverofnightandcouldputthecitizenstotheedgeofthesword。
Butthedoleful，intermittentsoundsofallthesefills，whichdisturbedthesilenceatregularanddistantintervals，wereaninvitationtothefaithfulprayforapassingsoul，anditwassoonevidentthatnodisasterthreatenedthetown，butthatthekingalonewasindanger。
Indeed，ithadbeenplainforseveraldayspastthatthegreatestuneasinessprevailedinCastelNuovo;theofficersofthecrownwereassembledregularlytwiceaday，andpersonsofimportance，whoserightitwastomaketheirwayintotheking’sapartments，cameoutevidentlyboweddownwithgrief。Butalthoughtheking’sdeathwasregardedasamisfortunethatnothingcouldavert，yetthewholetown，onlearningforcertainoftheapproachofhislasthour，wasaffectedwithasinceregrief，easilyunderstoodwhenonelearnsthatthemanabouttodie，afterareignofthirty-threeyears，eightmonths，andafewdays，wasRobertofAnjou，themostwise，just，andgloriouskingwhohadeversatonthethroneofSicily。Andsohecarriedwithhimtothetombtheeulogiesandregretsofallhissubjects。
SoldierswouldspeakwithenthusiasmofthelongwarshehadwagedwithFredericandPeterofAragon，againstHenryVIIandLouisofBavaria;andfelttheirheartsbeathigh，rememberingthegloriesofcampaignsinLombardyandTuscany;priestswouldgratefullyextolhisconstantdefenceofthepapacyagainstGhibellineattacks，andthefoundingofconvents，hospitals，andchurchesthroughouthiskingdom;
intheworldoflettershewasregardedasthemostlearnedkinginChristendom;Petrarch，indeed，wouldreceivethepoet’scrownfromnootherhand，andhadspentthreeconsecutivedaysansweringallthequestionsthatRoberthaddeignedtoaskhimoneverytopicofhumanknowledge。Themenoflaw，astonishedbythewisdomofthoselawswhichnowenrichedtheNeapolitancode，haddubbedhimtheSolomonoftheirday;thenoblesapplaudedhimforprotectingtheirancientprivileges，andthepeoplewereeloquentofhisclemency，piety，andmildness。Inaword，priestsandsoldiers，philosophersandpoets，noblesandpeasants，trembledwhentheythoughtthatthegovernmentwastofallintothehandsofaforeignerandofayounggirl，recallingthosewordsofRobert，who，ashefollowedinthefuneraltrainofCharles，hisonlyson，turnedashereachedthethresholdofthechurchandsobbinglyexclaimedtohisbaronsabouthim，"Thisdaythecrownhasfallenfrommyhead：alasforme！alasforyou！"
Nowthatthebellswereringingforthedyingmomentsofthegoodking，everymindwasfullofthesepropheticwords：womenprayedferventlytoGod;menfromallpartsofthetownbenttheirstepstowardstheroyalpalacetogettheearliestandmostauthenticnews，andafterwaitingsomemoments，passedinexchangingsadreflections，wereobligedtoreturnastheyhadcome，sincenothingthatwentonintheprivacyofthefamilyfounditswayoutside——thecastlewasplungedincompletedarkness，thedrawbridgewasraisedasusual，andtheguardswereattheirpost。
YetifourreaderscaretobepresentatthedeathofthenephewofSaintLouisandthegrandsonofCharlesofAnjou，wemayconductthemintothechamberofthedyingman。Analabasterlampsuspendedfromtheceilingservestolightthevastandsombreroom，withwallsdrapedinblackvelvetsewnwithgoldenfleur-de-lys。Nearthewallwhichfacesthetwoentrancedoorsthatatthismomentarebothshutclose，therestandsbeneathabrocadedcanopyanebonybed，supportedonfourtwistedcolumnscarvedwithsymbolicfigures。Theking，afterastrugglewithaviolentparoxysm，hasfallenswooninginthearmsofhisconfessorandhisdoctor，whoeachholdoneofhisdyinghands，feelinghispulseanxiouslyandexchanginglooksofintelligence。Atthefootofthebedstandsawomanaboutfiftyyearsofage，herhandsclasped，hereyesraisedtoheaven，inanattitudeofresignedgrief：thiswomanisthequeen，Notearsdimhereyes：hersunkencheekhasthatwaxenyellowtingethatoneseesonthebodiesofsaintspreservedbymiracle。Inherlookisthatminglingofcalmandsufferingthatpointstoasoulatoncetriedbysorrowandimbuedwithreligion。Afterthelapseofanhour，whilenomovementhaddisturbedtheprofoundsilencewhichreignedaboutthebedofdeath，thekingtrembledslightly;openedhiseyes，andendeavouredfeeblytoraisehishead。Theythankingthephysicianandpriestwithasmile，whohadbothhastenedtoarrangehispillows，hebeggedthequeentocomenear，andtoldherinalowvoicethathewouldspeakwithheramomentalone。Thedoctorandconfessorretired，deeplybowing，andthekingfollowedthemwithhiseyesuptothemomentwhenoneofthedoorsclosedbehindthem。Hepassedhishandacrosshisbrow，asthoughseekingtocollecthisthoughts，andrallyingallhisforcesforthesupremeeffort，pronouncedthesewords：
"WhatImustsaytoyou，Sancha，hasnoconcernwiththosetwogoodpersonswhowerehereamomentago：theirtaskisended。Onehasdoneallformybodythathumansciencecouldteachhim，andallthathascomeofitisthatmydeathisyetalittledeferred;theotherhasnowabsolvedmeofallmysins，andassuredmeofGod’sforgiveness，yetcannotkeepfrommethosedreadapparitionswhichinthisterriblehourarisebeforeme。Twicehaveyouseenmebattlingwithasuperhumanhorror。Mybrowhasbeenbathedinsweat，mylimbsrigid，mycrieshavebeenstifledbyahandofiron。HasGodpermittedtheEvilSpirittotemptme？Isthisremorseinphantomshape？ThesetwoconflictsIhavesufferedhavesosubduedmystrengththatIcanneverendureathird。Listenthen，mySandra，forIhaveinstructionstogiveyouonwhichperhapsthesafetyofmysouldepends。"
"Mylordandmymaster，"saidthequeeninthemostgentleaccentsofsubmission，"Iamreadytolistentoyourorders;andshoulditbethatGod，inthehiddendesignsofHisprovidence，haswilledtocallyoutoHisglorywhileweareplungedingrief，yourlastwishesshallbefulfilledhereonearthmostscrupulouslyandexactly。
But，"sheadded，withallthesolicitudeofatimidsoul，"praysuffermetosprinkledropsofholywaterandbanishtheaccursedonefromthischamber，andletmeofferupsomepartofthatserviceofprayerthatyoucomposedinhonourofyoursaintedbrothertoimploreGod’sprotectioninthishourwhenwecanillaffordtoloseit。"
Thenopeningarichlyboundbook，shereadwithferventdevotioncertainversesoftheofficethatRoberthadwritteninaverypureLatinforhisbrotherLouis，BishopofToulouse，whichwas，inuseintheChurchaslateasthetimeoftheCouncilofTrent。
Soothedbythecharmoftheprayershehadhimselfcomposed，thekingwasnearforgettingtheobjectoftheinterviewhehadsosolemnlyandeagerlydemandedandlettinghimselflapseintoastateofvaguemelancholy，hemurmuredinasubduedvoice，"Yes，yes，youareright;prayforme，foryoutooareasaint，andIambutapoorsinfulman。"
"Saynotso，mylord，"interruptedDonaSancha;"youarethegreatest，wisest，andmostjustkingwhohaseversatuponthethroneofNaples。"
"Butthethroneisusurped，"repliedRobertinavoiceofgloom;"youknowthatthekingdombelongedtomyelderbrother，CharlesMartel;
andsinceCharleswasonthethroneofHungary，whichheinheritedfromhismother，thekingdomofNaplesdevolvedbyrightuponhiseldestson，Carobert，andnotonme，whoamthethirdinrankofthefamily。AndIhavesufferedmyselftobecrownedinmynephew’sstead，thoughhewastheonlylawful-king;Ihaveputtheyoungerbranchintheplaceoftheelder，andforthirty-threeyearsIhavestifledthereproachesofmyconscience。True，Ihavewonbattles，madelaws，foundedchurches;butasinglewordservestogivethelietoallthepompoustitlesshowereduponmebythepeople’sadmiration，andthisonewordringsoutclearerinmyearsthanallthe，flatteryofcourtiers，allthesongsofpoets，alltheorationsofthecrowd：——Iamanusurper！"
"Benotunjusttowardsyourself，mylord，andbearinmindthatifyoudidnotabdicateinfavouroftherightfulheir，itwasbecauseyouwishedtosavethepeoplefromtheworstmisfortunes。Moreover，"
continuedthequeen，withthatairofprofoundconvictionthatanunanswerableargumentinspires，"youhaveremainedkingbytheconsentandauthorityofourHolyFatherthesovereignpontiff，whodisposesofthethroneasafiefbelongingtotheChurch。"
"Ihavelongquietedmyscruplesthus，"repliedthedyingman，"andthepope’sauthorityhaskeptmesilent;butwhateversecurityonemaypretendtofeelinone’slifetime，thereyetcomesadreadfulsolemnhourwhenallillusionsneedsmustvanish：thishourformehascome，andnowImustappearbeforeGod，theoneunfailingjudge。"
"IfHisjusticecannotfail，isnotHismercyinfinite？"pursuedthequeen，withtheglowofsacredinspiration。"Evenifthereweregoodreasonforthefearthathasshakenyoursoul，whatfaultcouldnotbeeffacedbyarepentancesonoble？HaveyounotrepairedthewrongyoumayhavedoneyournephewCarobert，bybringinghisyoungersonAndretoyourkingdomandmarryinghimtoJoan，yourpoorCharles’selderdaughter？Willnottheyinherityourcrown？"
"Alas！"criedRobert，withadeepsigh，"Godispunishingmeperhapsforthinkingtoolateofthisjustreparation。OmygoodandnobleSandra，youtouchachordwhichvibratessadlyinmyheart，andyouanticipatetheunhappyconfidenceIwasabouttomake。Ifeelagloomypresentiment——andinthehourofdeathpresentimentisprophecy——thatthetwosonsofmynephew，Louis，whohasbeenKingofHungarysincehisfatherdied，andAndre，whomIdesiredtomakeKingofNaples，willprovethescourgeofmyfamily。EversinceAndresetfootinourcastle，astrangefatalityhaspursuedandoverturnedmyprojects。IhadhopedthatifAndreandJoanwerebroughtuptogetheratenderintimacywouldarisebetweenthetwochildren;andthatthebeautyofourskies，ourcivilisation，andtheattractionsofourcourtwouldendbysofteningwhateverrudenesstheremightbeintheyoungHungarian’scharacter;butinspiteofmyeffortsallhastendedtocausecoldness，andevenaversion，betweenthebridalpair。Joan，scarcelyfifteen，isfaraheadofherage。Giftedwithabrilliantandmobilemind，anobleandloftycharacter，alivelyandglowingfancy，nowfreeandfrolicsomeasachild，nowgraveandproudasaqueen，trustfulandsimpleasayounggirl，passionateandsensitiveasawoman，shepresentsthemoststrikingcontrasttoAndre，who，afterastayoftenyearsatourcourt，iswilder，moregloomy，moreintractablethanever。Hiscold，regularfeatures，impassivecountenance，andindifferencetoeverypleasurethathiswifeappearstolove，allthishasraisedbetweenhimandJoanabarrierofindifference，evenofantipathy。Tothetenderesteffusionhisreplyisnomorethanascornfulsmileorafrown，andheneverseemshappierthanwhenonapretextofthechasehecanescapefromthecourt。These，then，arethetwo，manandwife，onwhoseheadsmycrownshallrest，whoinashortspacewillfindthemselvesexposedtoeverypassionwhosedullgrowlisnowheardbelowadeceptivecalm，butwhichonlyawaitsthemomentwhenI
breathemylast，toburstforthuponthem。"
"OmyGod，myGod！"thequeenkeptrepeatinginhergrief：herarmsfellbyherside，likethearmsofastatueweepingbyatomb。
"Listen，DonaSandra。Iknowthatyourhearthasneverclungtoearthlyvanities，andthatyouonlywaittillGodhascalledmetoHimselftowithdrawtotheconventofSantaMariadeltaCroce，foundedbyyourselfinthehopethatyoumightthereendyourdays。
Farbeitfrommetodissuadeyoufromyoursacredvocation，whenI
ammyselfdescendingintothetombandamconsciousofthenothingnessofallhumangreatness。OnlygrantmeoneyearofwidowhoodbeforeyoupassontoyourbridalwiththeLord，oneyearinwhichyouwillwatchoverJoanandherhusband，tokeepfromthemallthedangersthatthreaten。Alreadythewomanwhowastheseneschal’swifeandhersonhavetoomuchinfluenceoverourgrand-
daughter;bespeciallycareful，andamidthemanyinterests，intrigues，andtemptationsthatwillsurroundtheyoungqueen，distrustparticularlytheaffectionofBertrandd’Artois，thebeautyofLouisofTarentum;andtheambitionofCharlesofDurazzo。"
Thekingpaused，exhaustedbytheeffortofspeaking;thenturningonhiswifeasupplicatingglanceandextendinghisthinwastedhand，headdedinascarcelyaudiblevoice：
"OnceagainIentreatyou，leavenotthecourtbeforeayearhaspassed。Doyoupromiseme？"
"Ipromise，mylord。"
"Andnow，"saidRobert，whosefaceatthesewordstookonanewanimation，"callmyconfessorandthephysicianandsummonthefamily，forthehourisathand，andsoonIshallnothavethestrengthtospeakmylastwords。"
Afewmomentslaterthepriestandthedoctorre-enteredtheroom，theirfacesbathed，intears。Thekingthankedthemwarmlyfortheircareofhiminhislastillness，andbeggedthemhelptodresshiminthecoarsegarbofaFranciscanmonk，thatGod，ashesaid，seeinghimdieinpoverty，humility，andpenitence，mightthemoreeasilygranthimpardon。Theconfessoranddoctorplaceduponhisnakedfeetthesandalswornbymendicantfriars，robedhiminaFranciscanfrock，andtiedtheropeabouthiswaist。Stretchedthusuponhisbed，hisbrowsurmountedbyhisscantylocks，withhislongwhitebeard，andhishandscrosseduponhisbreast，theKingofNapleslookedlikeoneofthoseagedanchoriteswhospendtheirlivesinmortifyingtheflesh，andwhosesouls，absorbedinheavenlycontemplation，glideinsensiblyfromouttheirlastecstasyintoeternalbliss。Sometimehelaythuswithclosedeyes，puttingupasilentprayertoGod;thenhebadethemlightthespaciousroomasforagreatsolemnity，andgaveasigntothetwopersonswhostood，oneatthehead，theotheratthefootofthebed。Thetwofoldingdoorsopened，andthewholeoftheroyalfamily，withthequeenattheirheadandthechiefbaronsfollowing，tooktheirplacesinsilencearoundthedyingkingtohearhislastwishes。
HiseyesturnedtowardJoan，whostoodnexthimonhisrighthand，withanindescribablelookoftendernessandgrief。Shewasofabeautysounusualandsomarvellous，thathergrandfatherwasfascinatedbythedazzlingsight，andmistookherforanangelthatGodhadsenttoconsolehimonhisdeathbed。Thepurelinesofherfineprofile，hergreatblackliquideyes，hernoblebrowuncovered，herhairshiningliketheraven’swing，herdelicatemouth，thewholeeffectofthisbeautifulfaceonthemindofthosewhobeheldherwasthatofadeepmelancholyandsweetness，impressingitselfonceandforever。Tallandslender，butwithouttheexcessivethinnessofsomeyounggirls，hermovementshadthatcarelesssupplegracethatrecallthewavingofaflowerstalkinthebreeze。ButinspiteofallthesesmilingandinnocentgracesonecouldyetdiscerninRobert’sheiressawillfirmandresolutetobraveeveryobstacle，andthedarkringsthatcircledherfineeyesplainlyshowedthatherheartwasalreadyagitatedbypassionsbeyondheryears。
BesideJoanstoodheryoungersister，Marie，whowastwelveorthirteenyearsofage，theseconddaughterofCharles，DukeofCalabria，whohaddiedbeforeherbirth，andwhosemother，MarieofValois，hadunhappilybeenlosttoherfromhercradle。Exceedinglyprettyandshy，sheseemeddistressedbysuchanassemblyofgreatpersonages，andquietlydrewneartothewidowofthegrandseneschal，Philippa，surnamedtheCatanese，theprincesses’
governess，whomtheyhonouredasamother。Behindtheprincessesandbesidethisladystoodherson，RobertofCabane，ahandsomeyoungman，proudandupright，whowithhislefthandplayedwithhisslightmoustachewhilehesecretlycastonJoanaglanceofaudaciousboldness。ThegroupwascompletedbyDonaCancha，theyoungchamberwomantotheprincesses，andbytheCountofTerlizzi，whoexchangedwithhermanyafurtivelookandmanyanopensmile。ThesecondgroupwascomposedofAndre，Joan’shusband，andFriarRobert，tutorto，theyoungprince，whohadcomewithhimfromBudapesth，andneverlefthimforaminute。Andrewasatthistimeperhapseighteenyearsold：atfirstsightonewasstruckbytheextremeregularityofhisfeatures，hishandsome，nobleface，andabundantfairhair;butamongalltheseItalianfaces，withtheirvividanimation，hiscountenancelackedexpression，hiseyesseemeddull，andsomethinghardandicyinhislooksrevealedhiswildcharacterandforeignextraction。Histutor’sportraitPetrarchhasdrawnforus：crimsonface，hairandbeardred，figureshortandcrooked;proudinpoverty，richandmiserly;likeasecond，Diogenes，withhideousanddeformedlimbsbarelyconcealedbeneathhisfriar’sfrock。
InthethirdgroupstoodthewidowofPhilip，PrinceofTarentum，theking’sbrother，honouredatthecourtofNapleswiththetitleofEmpressofConstantinople，astyleinheritedbyherasthegranddaughterofBaldwinII。Anyoneaccustomedtosoundthedepthsofthehumanheartwouldatoneglancehaveperceivedthatthiswomanunderherghastlypallorconcealedanimplacablehatred，avenomousjealousy，andanall-devouringambition。Shehadherthreesonsabouther——Robert，PhilipandLouis，theyoungest。Hadthekingchosenoutfromamonghisnephewsthehandsomest，bravest，andmostgenerous，therecanbenodoubtthatLouisofTarentumwouldhaveobtainedthecrown。Attheageoftwenty-threehehadalreadyexcelledthecavaliersofmostrenowninfeatsofarms;honest，loyal，andbrave，henosoonerconceivedaprojectthanhepromptlycarrieditout。Hisbrowshoneinthatclearlightwhichseemsto，serveasahaloofsuccesstonaturessoprivilegedashis;hisfineeyes，ofasoftandvelvetyblack，subduedtheheartsofmenwhocouldnotresisttheircharm，andhiscaressingsmilemadeconquestsweet。Achildofdestiny，hehadbuttousehiswill;somepowerunknown，somebeneficentfairyhadwatchedoverhisbirth，andundertakentosmoothawayallobstacles，gratifyalldesires。
Neartohim，butinthefourthgroup，hiscousinCharlesofDurasstoodandscowled。Hismother，Agnes，thewidowoftheDukeofDurazzoandAlbania，anotheroftheking’sbrothers，lookeduponhimaffrighted，clutchingtoherbreasthertwoyoungersons，Ludovico，CountofGravina，andRobert，PrinceofMorea。Charles，pale-faced，withshorthairandthickbeard，wasglancingwithsuspicionfirstathisdyinguncleandthenatJoanandthelittleMarie，thenagainathiscousins，apparentlysoexcitedbytumultuousthoughtsthathecouldnotstandstill。Hisfeverishuneasinesspresentedamarkedcontrastwiththecalm，dreamyfaceofBertrandd’Artois，who，givingprecedencetohisfatherCharles，approachedthequeenatthefootofthebed，andsofoundhimselffacetofacewithJoan。Theyoungmanwassoabsorbedbythebeautyoftheprincessthatheseemedtoseenothingelseintheroom。
AssoonasJoanandAndre;thePrincesofTarentumandDurazzo，theCountsofArtois，and（queenSanchahadtakentheirplacesroundthebedofdeath，formingasemicircle，aswehavejustdescribed，thevice-chancellorpassedthroughtherowsofbarons，whoaccordingtotheirrangywerefollowingcloselyaftertheprincesoftheblood;
andbowinglowbeforetheking，unfoldedaparchmentsealedwiththeroyalseal，andreadinasolemnvoice，amidaprofoundsilence：
"Robert，bythegraceofGodKingofSicilyandJerusalem，CountofProvence，Forcalquier，andPiedmont，VicaroftheHolyRomanChurch，herebynominatesanddeclareshissoleheiressinthekingdomofSicilyonthissideandtheothersideofthestrait，asalsointhecountiesofProvence，Forcalquier，andPiedmont，andinall，hisotherterritories，Joan，DuchessofCalabria，elderdaughteroftheexcellentlordCharles，DukeofCalabria，ofillustriousmemory。
Moreover，henominatesanddeclaresthehonourableladyMarie，youngerdaughterofthelateDukeofCalabria，hisheiressinthecountyofAlbaandinthejurisdictionofthevalleyofGratiandtheterritoryofGiordano，withalltheircastlesanddependencies;andordersthattheladythusnamedreceivetheminfiefdirectfromtheaforesaidduchessandherheirs;onthiscondition，however，thatiftheduchessgiveandgranttoherillustrioussisterortoherassignsthesumof10，000ouncesofgoldbywayofcompensation，thecountyandjurisdictionaforesaid——shallremaininthepossessionoftheduchessandherheirs。
"Moreover，hewillsandcommands，forprivateandsecretreasons，thattheaforesaidladyMarieshallcontractamarriagewiththeveryillustriousprince，Louis，reigningKingofHungary。Andincaseanyimpedimentshouldappeartothismarriagebyreasonof——theunionsaidtobealreadyarrangedandsignedbetweentheKingofHungaryandtheKingofBohemiaandhisdaughter，ourlordthekingcommandsthattheillustriousladyMarieshallcontractamarriagewiththeeldersonofthemightylordDonJuan，DukeofNormandy，himselftheeldersonofthereigningKingofFrance。"
AtthispointCharlesofDurazzogaveMarieasingularlymeaninglook，whichescapedthenoticeofallpresent，theirattentionbeingabsorbedbythereadingofRobert’swill。Theyounggirlherself，fromthemomentwhenshefirstheardherownname，hadstoodconfusedandthunderstruck，withscarletcheeks，notdaringtoraisehereyes。
Thevice-chancellorcontinued：
"Moreover，hehaswilledandcommandedthatthecountiesofForcalquierandProvenceshallinallperpetuitybeunitedtohiskingdom，andshallformonesoleandinseparabledominion，whetherornottherebeseveralsonsordaughtersoranyotherreasonofanykindforitspartition，seeingthatthisunionisoftheutmostimportanceforthesecurityandcommonprosperityofthekingdomandcountiesaforesaid。
"Moreover，hehasdecidedandcommandedthatincaseofthedeathoftheDuchessJoan——whichGodavert！——withoutlawfulissueofherbody，themostillustriouslordAndre，DukeofCalabria，herhusband，shallhavetheprincipalityofSalerno，withthetitlefruits，revenues，andalltherightsthereof，togetherwiththerevenueof2000ouncesofgoldformaintenance。
"Moreover，hehasdecidedandorderedthattheQueenaboveall，andalsothevenerablefatherDonPhilipofCabassole，BishopofCavaillon，vice-chancellorofthekingdomofSicily，andthemagnificentlordsPhilipofSanguineto，seneschalofProvence，GodfreyofMarsan，CountofSquillace，admiralofthekingdom，andCharlesofArtois，CountofAire，shallbegovernors，regents，andadministratorsoftheaforesaidlordAndreandtheaforesaidladiesJoanandMarie，untilsuchtimeastheduke，theduchess，andtheveryillustriousladyMarieshallhaveattainedtheirtwenty-fifthyear，"etc。etc。
Whenthevice-chancellorhadfinishedreading，thekingsatup，andglancingrounduponhisfairandnumerousfamily，thusspoke：
"Mychildren，youhaveheardmylastwishes。Ihavebiddenyoualltomydeathbed，thatyoumayseehowthegloryoftheworldpassesaway。Thosewhommennamethegreatonesoftheearthhavemoredutiestoperform，andafterdeathmoreaccountstorender：itisinthisthattheirgreatnesslies。Ihavereignedthirty-threeyears，andGodbeforewhomIamabouttoappear，Godtowhommysighshaveoftenarisenduringmylongandpainfullife，Godaloneknowsthethoughtsthatrendmyheartinthehourofdeath。SoonshallIbelyinginthetomb，andallthatremainsofmeinthisworldwillliveinthememoryofthosewhoprayforme。ButbeforeIleaveyouforever，you，oh，youwhoaretwicemydaughters，whomIhavelovedwithadoublelove，andyoumynephewswhohavehadfrommeallthecareandaffectionofafather，promisemetobeeverunitedinheartandinwish，asindeedyouareinmylove。Ihavelivedlongerthanyourfathers，Itheeldestofall，andthusnodoubtGodhaswishedtotightenthebondsofyouraffection，toaccustomyoutoliveinonefamilyandtopayhonourtoonehead。Ihavelovedyouallalike，asafathershould，withoutexceptionorpreference。Ihavedisposedofmythroneaccordingtothelawofnatureandtheinspirationofmyconscience：HerearetheheirsofthecrownofNaples;you，Joan，andyou，Andre，willneverforgettheloveandrespectthatareduebetweenhusbandandwife，andmutuallyswornbyyouatthefootofthealtar;andyou，mynephewsall;mybarons，myofficers，renderhomagetoyourlawfulsovereigns;AndreofHungary，LouisofTarentum，CharlesofDurazzo，rememberthatyouarebrothers;woetohimwhoshallimitatetheperfidyofCain！Mayhisbloodfalluponhisownhead，andmayhebeaccursedbyHeavenasheisbythemouthofadyingman;andmaytheblessingoftheFather，theSon，andtheHolySpiritdescenduponthatmanwhoseheartisgood，whentheLordofmercyshallcalltomysoulHimself！"
Thekingremainedmotionless，hisarmsraised，hiseyesfixedonheaven，hischeeksextraordinarilybright，whiletheprinces，barons，andofficersofthecourtprofferedtoJoanandherhusbandtheoathoffidelityandallegiance。WhenitwastheturnofthePrincesofDurastoadvance，CharlesdisdainfullystalkedpastAndre，andbendinghiskneebeforetheprincess，saidinaloudvoice，ashekissedherhand——
"Toyou，myqueen，Ipaymyhomage。"
Alllookswereturnedfearfullytowardsthedyingman，butthegoodkingnolongerheard。Seeinghimfallbackrigidandmotionless，DonaSanchaburstintosobs，andcriedinavoicechokedwithtears"Thekingisdead;letusprayforhissoul。"
Attheverysamemomentalltheprinceshurriedfromtheroom，andeverypassionhithertosuppressedinthepresenceofthekingnowfounditsventlikeamightytorrentbreakingthroughitsbanks。
"LongliveJoan！"RobertofCabane，LouisofTarentum，andBertrandofArtoiswerethefirsttoexclaim，whiletheprince’stutor，furiouslybreakingthroughthecrowdandapostrophisingthevariousmembersofthecouncilofregency，criedaloudinvaryingtonesofpassion，"Gentlemen，youhaveforgottentheking’swishalready;youmustcry，’LongliveAndre！’too";then，weddingexampletoprecept，andhimselfmakingmorenoisethanallthebaronstogether，hecriedinavoiceofthunder——
"LonglivetheKingofNaples！"
Buttherewasnoechotohiscry，andCharlesofDurazzo，measuringtheDominicanwithaterriblelook，approachedthequeen，andtakingherbythehand，slidbackthecurtainsofthebalcony，fromwhichwasseenthesquareandthetownofNaples。Sofarastheeyecouldreachtherestretchedanimmensecrowd，illuminatedbystreamsoflight，andthousandsofheadswereturnedupwardtowardsCastelNuovotogatheranynewsthatmightbeannounced。Charlesrespectfullydrawingbackandindicatinghisfaircousinwithhishand，criedout——
"PeopleofNaples，theKingisdead：longlivetheQueen！"
"LongliveJoan，（queenofNaples！"repliedthepeople，withasinglemightycrythatresoundedthrougheveryquarterofthetown。
TheeventsthatonthisnighthadfollowedeachotherwiththerapidityofadreamhadproducedsodeepanimpressiononJoan’smind，that，agitatedbyathousanddifferentfeelings，sheretiredtoherownrooms，andshuttingherselfupinherchamber，gavefreeventtohergrief。Solongastheconflictofsomanyambitionswagedaboutthetomb，theyoungqueen，refusingeveryconsolationthatwasofferedher，weptbitterlyforthedeathofhergrandfather，whohadlovedhertothepointofweakness。ThekingwasburiedwithallsolemnityinthechurchofSantaChiara，whichhehadhimselffoundedanddedicatedtotheHolySacrament，enrichingitwithmagnificentfrescoesbyGiottoandotherpreciousrelics，amongwhichisshownstill，behindthetribuneofthehighaltar，twocolumnsofwhitemarbletakenfromSolomon’stemple。TherestillliesRobert，representedonhistombinthedressofakingandinamonk’sfrock，ontherightofthemonumenttohissonCharles，theDukeofCalabria。
CHAPTERII
Assoonastheobsequieswereover，Andre’stutorhastilyassembledthechiefHungarianlords，anditwasdecidedinacouncilheldinthepresenceoftheprinceandwithhisconsent，tosendletterstohismother，ElizabethofPoland，andhisbrother，LouisofHungary，tomakeknowntothemthepurportofRobert’swill，andatthesametimetolodgeacomplaintatthecourtofAvignonagainsttheconductoftheprincesandpeopleofNaplesinthattheyhadproclaimedJoanaloneQueenofNaples，thusoverlookingtherightsofherhusband，andfurthertodemandforhimthepope’sorderforAndre’scoronation。FriarRobert，whohadnotonlyaprofoundknowledgeofthecourtintrigues，butalsotheexperienceofaphilosopherandallamonk’scunning，toldhispupilthatheoughttoprofitbythedepressionofspirittheking’sdeathhadproducedinJoan，andoughtnottosufferherfavouritestousethistimeininfluencingherbytheirseductivecounsels。
ButJoan’sabilitytoreceiveconsolationwasquiteasreadyashergriefhadatfirstbeenimpetuousthesobswhichseemedtobebreakingherheartceasedallatonce;newthoughts，moregentle，lesslugubrious，tookpossessionoftheyoungqueen’smind;thetraceoftearsvanished，andasmilelitupherliquideyeslikethesun’srayfollowingonrain。Thischange，anxiouslyawaited，wassoonobservedbyJoan’schamberwoman：shestoletothequeen’sroom，andfallingonherknees，inaccentsofflatteryandaffection，sheofferedherfirstcongratulationstoherlovelymistress。Joanopenedherarmsandheldherinalongembrace;farDonaCanchawasfarmoretoherthanalady-in-waiting;shewasthecompanionofinfancy，thedepositaryofallhersecrets，theconfidanteofhermostprivatethoughts。Onehadbuttoglanceatthisyounggirltounderstandthefascinationshecouldscarcelyfailtoexerciseoverthequeen’smind。Shehadafrankandsmilingcountenance，suchasinspiresconfidenceandcaptivatesthemindatfirstsight。Herfacehadanirresistiblecharm，withclearblueeyes，warmgoldenhair，mouthbewitchinglyturnedupatthecorners，anddelicatelittlechin。Wild，happy，lightofheart，pleasureandlovewerethebreathofherbeing;herdaintyrefinement，hercharminginconstancies，allmadeheratsixteenaslovelyasanangel，thoughatheartshewascorrupt。Thewholecourtwasatherfeet，andJoanfeltmoreaffectionforherthanforherownsister。
"Well，mydearCancha，"shemurmured，withasigh，"youfindmeverysadandveryunhappy！"
"Andyoufindme，fairqueen，"repliedtheconfidante，fixinganadmiringlookonJoan，——"youfindmejusttheopposite，veryhappythatIcanlayatyourfeetbeforeanyoneelsetheproofofthejoythatthepeopleofNaplesareatthismomentfeeling。Othersperhapsmayenvyyouthecrownthatshinesuponyourbrow，thethronewhichisoneofthenoblestintheworld，theshoutsofthisentiretownthatsoundratherlikeworshipthanhomage;butI，madam，Ienvyyouyourlovelyblackhair，yourdazzlingeyes，yourmorethanmortalgrace，whichmakeeverymanadoreyou。"
"Andyetyouknow，myCancha，Iammuchtobepitiedbothasaqueenandasawoman：whenoneisfifteenacrownisheavytowear，andI
havenotthelibertyofthemeanestofmysubjects——Imeaninmyaffections;forbeforeIreachedanagewhenIcouldthinkIwassacrificedtoamanwhomIcanneverlove。"
"Yet，madam，"repliedCanchainamoreinsinuatingvoice，"inthiscourtthereisayoungcavalierwhomightbyvirtueofrespect，love，anddevotionhavemadeyouforgettheclaimsofthisforeigner，alikeunworthytobeourkingandtobeyourhusband。"
Thequeenheavedaheavysigh。
"Whendidyouloseyourskilltoreadmyheart？"shecried。"MustI
actuallytellyouthatthisloveismakingmewretched？True，attheveryfirstthisunsanctionedlovewasakeenjoy：anewlifeseemedtowakewithinmyheart;Iwasdrawnon，fascinatedbytheprayers，thetears，andthedespairofthisman，bytheopportunitiesthathismothersoeasilygranted，shewhomIhadalwayslookeduponasmyownmother;Ihavelovedhim……OmyGod，Iamstillsoyoung，andmypastissounhappy。Attimesstrangethoughtscomeintomymind：I
fancyhenolongerlovesme，thatheneverdidloveme;Ifancyhehasbeenledonbyambition，byself-interest，bysomeignoblemotive，andhasonlyfeignedafeelingthathehasneverreallyfelt。
IfeelmyselfacoldnessIcannotaccountfor;inhispresenceIamconstrained，Iamtroubledbyhislook，hisvoicemakesmetremble：I
fearhim;IwouldsacrificeayearofmylifecouldI，neverhavelistenedtohim。"
Thesewordsseemedtotouchtheyoungconfidantetotheverydepthsofhersoul;ashadeofsadnesscrossedherbrow，hereyelidsdropped，andforsometimesheanswerednothing，showingsorrowratherthansurprise。Then，liftingherheadgently，shesaid，withvisibleembarrassment——
"Ishouldneverhavedaredtopasssosevereajudgmentuponamanwhommysovereignladyhasraisedaboveothermenbycastinguponhimalookofkindness;butifRobertofCabanehasdeservedthereproachofinconstancyandingratitude，ifhehasperjuredhimselflikeacoward，hemustindeedbethebasestofallmiserablebeings，despisingahappinesswhichothermenmighthaveentreatedofGodthewholetimeoftheirlifeandpaidforthrougheternity。OnemanI
know，whoweepsbothnightanddaywithouthopeorconsolation，consumedbyaslowandpainfulmalady，whenonewordmightyetavailtosavehim，diditcomefromthelipsofmynoblemistress。"
"Iwillnothearanotherword，"criedJoan，suddenlyrising;"thereshallbenonewcauseforremorseinmylife。Troublehascomeuponmethroughmyloves，bothlawfulandcriminal;alas！nolongerwillI
trytocontrolmyawfulfate，Iwillbowmyheadwithoutamurmur。
Iamthequeen，andImustyieldmyselfupforthegoodofmysubjects。"
"Willyouforbidme，madam，"repliedDonaCanchainakind，affectionatetone——"willyouforbidmetonameBertrandofArtoisinyourpresence，thatunhappyman，withthebeautyofanangelandthemodestyofagirl？Nowthatyouarequeenandhavethelifeanddeathofyoursubjectsinyourownkeeping，willyoufeelnokindnesstowardsanunfortunateonewhoseonlyfaultistoadoreyou，whostriveswithallhismindandstrengthtobearachancelookofyourswithoutdyingofhisjoy？"
"Ihavestruggledhardnevertolookonhim，"criedthequeen，urgedbyanimpulseshewasnotstrongenoughtoconquer：then，toeffacetheimpressionthatmightwellhavebeenmadeonherfriend’smind，sheaddedseverely，"Iforbidyoutopronouncehisnamebeforeme;
andifheshouldeverventuretocomplain，IbidyoutellhimfrommethatthefirsttimeIevensuspectthecauseofhisdistresshewillbebanishedforeverfrommypresence。"
"Ah，madam，dismissmealso;forIshallneverbestrongenoughtodosohardabidding：theunhappymanwhocannotawakeinyourheartsomuchasafeelingofpitymaynowbestruckdownbyyourselfinyourwrath，forherehestands;hehasheardyoursentence，andcometodieatyourfeet。"
Thelastwordswerespokeninaloudervoice，sothattheymightbeheardfromoutside，andBertrandofArtoiscamehurriedlyintotheroomandfellonhiskneesbeforethequeen。Foralongtimepasttheyounglady-in-waitinghadperceivedthatRobertofCabanehad，throughhisownfault，losttheloveofJoan;——forhistyrannyhadindeedbecomemoreunendurabletoherthanherhusband’s。
DonaCanchahadbeenquickenoughtoperceivethattheeyesofheryoungmistresswerewonttorestwithakindofmelancholygentlenessonBertrand，ayoungmanofhandsomeappearancebutwithasadanddreamyexpression;sowhenshemadeuphermindtospeakinhisinterests，shewaspersuadedthatthequeenalreadylovedhim。
Still，abrightcolouroverspreadJoan’sface，andherangerwouldhavefallenonbothculpritsalike，wheninthenextroomasoundofstepswasheard，andthevoiceofthegrandseneschal’swidowinconversationwithhersonfellontheearsofthethreeyoungpeoplelikeaclapofthunder。DonaCancha，paleasdeath，stoodtrembling;
Bertrandfeltthathewaslost——allthemorebecausehispresencecompromisedthequeen;Joanonly，withthatwonderfulpresenceofmindshewasdestinedtopreserveinthemostdifficultcrisesofherfuturelife，thrusttheyoungmanagainstthecarvedbackofherbed，andconcealedhimcompletelybeneaththeamplecurtain：shethensignedtoCanchatogoforwardandmeetthegovernessandherson。
Butbeforeweconductintothequeen’sroomthesetwopersons，whomourreadersmayrememberinJoan’strainaboutthebedofKingRobert，wemustrelatethecircumstanceswhichhadcausedthefamilyoftheCatanesetorisewithincrediblerapidityfromthelowestclassofthepeopletothehighestrankatcourt。WhenDonaViolanteofAragon，firstwifeofRobertofAnjou，becamethemotherofCharles，whowaslaterontheDukeofCalabria，anursewassoughtfortheinfantamongthemosthandsomewomenofthepeople。Afterinspectingmanywomenofequalmeritasregardsbeauty，youth;and，health，theprincess’schoicelightedonPhilippa，ayoungCatanese。
woman，thewifeofafishermanofTrapani，andbyconditionalaundress。Thisyoungwoman，asshewashedherlinenonthebankofastream，haddreamedstrangedreams：shehadfanciedherselfsummonedtocourt，weddedtoagreatpersonage，andreceivingthehonoursofagreatlady。ThuswhenshewascalledtoCastelNuovoherjoywasgreat，forshefeltthatherdreamsnowbegantoberealised。Philippawasinstalledatthecourt，andafewmonthsaftershebegantonursethechildthefishermanwasdeadandshewasawidow。MeanwhileRaymondofCabane，themajor-domoofKingCharlesII’shouse，hadboughtanegrofromsomecorsairs，andhavinghadhimbaptizedbyhisownname，hadgivenhimhisliberty;afterwardsobservingthathewasableandintelligent，hehadappointedhimheadcookintheking’skitchen;andthenhehadgoneawaytothewar。
Duringtheabsenceofhispatronthenegromanagedhisownaffairsatthecourtsocleverly，thatinashorttimehewasabletobuyland，houses，farms，silverplate，andhorses，andcouldvieinricheswiththebestinthekingdom;andasheconstantlywonhigherfavourintheroyalfamily，hepassedonfromthekitchentothewardrobe。TheCatanesehadalsodeservedverywellofheremployers，andasarewardforthecareshehadbestowedonthechild，theprincessmarriedhertothenegro，andhe，asaweddinggift，wasgrantedthetitleofknight。
>Fromthisdayforward，RaymondofCabaneandPhilippathelaundressroseintheworldsorapidlythattheyhadnoequalininfluenceatcourt。AfterthedeathofDonaViolante，theCatanesebecametheintimatefriendofDonaSandra，Robert’ssecondwife，whomweintroducedtoourreadersatthebeginningofthisnarrative。
Charles，herfosterson，lovedherasamother，andshewastheconfidanteofhistwowivesinturn，especiallyofthesecondwife，MarieofValois。Andasthequondamlaundresshadintheendlearnedallthemannersandcustomsofthecourt，shewaschosenatthebirthofJoanandhersistertobegovernessandmistressovertheyounggirls，andatthisjunctureRaymondwascreatedmajor-domo。Finally，MarieofValoisonherdeathbedcommendedthetwoyoungprincessestohercare，begginghertolookonthemasherown-daughters。ThusPhilippatheCatanese，honouredinfutureasfostermotheroftheheiresstothethroneofNaples，hadpowertonominateherhusbandgrandseneschal，oneofthesevenmostimportantofficesinthekingdom，，andtoobtainknighthoodforhersons。RaymondofCabanewasburiedlikeakinginamarbletombinthechurchoftheHolySacrament，andtherewasspeedilyjoinedbytwoofhissons。Thethird，Robert，ayouthofextraordinarystrengthandbeauty，gaveupanecclesiasticalcareer，andwashimselfmademajor-domo，histwosistersbeingmarriedtotheCountofMerlizziandtheCountofMorconerespectively。Thiswasnowthestateofaffairs，andtheinfluenceofthegrandseneschal’swidowseemedforeverestablished，whenanunexpectedeventsuddenlyoccurred，causingsuchinjuryasmightwellsufficetoupsettheedificeofherfortunesthathadbeenraisedstonebystonepatientlyandslowly：thisedificewasnowunderminedandthreatenedtofallinasingleday。ItwasthesuddenapparitionofFriarRobert，whofollowedtothecourtofRomehisyoungpupil，whofrominfancyhadbeenJoan’sdestinedhusband，whichthusshatteredallthedesignsoftheCataneseandseriouslymenacedherfuture。Themonkhadnotbeenslowtounderstandthatsolongassheremainedatthecourt，Andrewouldbenomorethantheslave，possiblyeventhevictim，ofhiswife。ThusallFriarRobert’sthoughtswereobstinatelyconcentratedonasingleend，thatofgettingridoftheCataneseorneutralisingherinfluence。Theprince’stutorandthegovernessoftheheiresshadbuttoexchangeoneglance，icy，penetrating，plaintoread：theirlooksmetlikelightningflashesofhatredandofvengeance。TheCatanese，whofeltshewasdetected，lackedcouragetofightthismanintheopen，andsoconceivedthehopeofstrengtheninghertotteringempirebytheartsofcorruptionanddebauchery。Sheinstilledbydegreesintoherpupil’smindthepoisonofvice，inflamedheryouthfulimaginationwithprecociousdesires，sowedinherhearttheseedsofanunconquerableaversionforherhusband，surroundedthepoorchildwithabandonedwomen，andespeciallyattachedtoherthebeautifulandattractiveDonaCancha，whoisbrandedbycontemporaryauthorswiththenameofacourtesan;thensummedupalltheselessonsininfamybyprostitutingJoantoherownson。Thepoorgirl，pollutedbysinbeforesheknewwhatlifewas，threwherwholeselfintothisfirstpassionwithalltheardourofyouth，andlovedRobertofCabanesoviolently，somadly，thattheCatanesecongratulatedherselfonthesuccessofherinfamy，believingthatsheheldherpreysofastinhertoilsthathervictimwouldneverattempttoescapethem。
AyearpassedbybeforeJoan，conqueredbyherinfatuation，conceivedthesmallestsuspicionofherlover’ssincerity。He，moreambitiousthanaffectionate，founditeasytoconcealhiscoldnessunderthecloakofabrotherlyintimacy，ofblindsubmission，andofunswervingdevotion;perhapshewouldhavedeceivedhismistressforalongertimehadnotBertrandofArtoisfallenmadlyinlovewithJoan。
Suddenlythebandagefellfromtheyounggirl’seyes;comparingthetwowiththenaturalinstinctofawomanbelovedwhichnevergoesastray，sheperceivedthatRobertofCabanelovedherforhisownsake，whileBertrandofArtoiswouldgivehislifetomakeherhappy。
Alightfelluponherpast：shementallyrecalledthecircumstancesthatprecededandaccompaniedherearliestlove;andashudderwentthroughheratthethoughtthatshehadbeensacrificedtoacowardlyseducerbytheverywomanshehadlovedmostintheworld，whomshehadcalledbythenameofmother。
Joandrewbackintoherself，andwept-bitterly。Woundedbyasingleblowinallheraffections，atfirsthergriefabsorbedher;then，rousedtosuddenanger，sheproudlyraisedherhead，fornowherlovewaschangedtoscorn。Robert，amazedathercoldandhaughtyreceptionofhim，followingonsogreatalove，wasstungbyjealousyandwoundedpride。Hebrokeoutintobitterreproachandviolentrecrimination，and，lettingfallthemask，onceforalllosthisplaceinJoan’sheart。
Hismotheratlastsawthatitwastimetointerfere：sherebukedherson，accusinghimofupsettingallherplansbyhisclumsiness。
"Asyouhavefailedtoconquerherbylove，"shesaid，"youmustnowsubdueherbyfear。Thesecretofherhonourisinourhands，andshewillneverdaretorebel。SheplainlylovesBertrandofArtois，whoselanguishingeyesandhumblesighscontrastinastrikingmannerwithyourhaughtyindifferenceandyourmasterfulways。ThemotherofthePrincesofTarentum，theEmpressofConstantinople，willeasilyseizeanoccasionofhelpingontheprincess’slovesoastoalienatehermoreandmorefromherhusband：Canchawillbethegobetween，andsoonerorlaterweshallfindBertrandatJoan’sfeet。
Thenshewillbeabletorefuseusnothing。"
Whileallthiswasgoingon，theoldkingdied，andtheCatanese，whohadunceasinglykeptonthewatchforthemomentshehadsoplainlyforeseen，loudlycalledtoherson，whenshesawBertrandslipintoJoan’sapartment，sayingasshedrewhimafterher——
"Followme，thequeenisours。"
Itwasthusthatsheandhersoncametobethere。Joan，standinginthemiddleofthechamber，pallid，hereyesfixedonthecurtainsofthebed，concealedheragitationwithasmile，andtookonestepforwardtowardshergoverness，stoopingtoreceivethekisswhichthelatterbestoweduponhereverymorning。TheCataneseembracedherwithaffectedcordiality，andturning，toherson，whohadkneltupononeknee，said，pointingtoRobert——
"Myfairqueen，allowthehumblestofyoursubjectstoofferhissincerecongratulationsandtoayhishomageatyourfeet。"
"Rise，Robert，"saidJoan，extendingherhandkindly，andwithnoshowofbitterness。"Wewerebroughtuptogether，andIshallneverforgetthatinourchildhood——Imeanthosehappydayswhenwewerebothinnocent——Icalledyoumybrother。"
"Asyouallowme，madam，"saidRobert，withanironicalsmile，"Itooshallalwaysrememberthenamesyouformerlygaveme。"
"AndI，"saidtheCatanese，"shallforgetthatIspeaktotheQueenofNaples，inembracingoncemoremybeloveddaughter。Come，madam，awaywithcare：youhaveweptlongenough;wehavelongrespectedyourgrief。ItisnowtimetoshowyourselftothesegoodNeapolitanswhoblessHeavencontinuallyforgrantingthemaqueensobeautifulandgood;itistimethatyourfavoursupontheheadsofyourfaithfulsubjects;andmyson，whosurpassesallinhisfidelity，comesfirsttoaskafavourofyou，inorderthathemayserveyouyetmorezealously。"
JoancastonRobertawitheringlook，and，speakingtotheCatanese，saidwithascornfulair——
"Youknow，madam，Icanrefuseyoursonnothing。"
"Allheasks，"continuedthelady，"isatitlewhichishisdue，andwhichheinheritedfromhisfather——thetitleofGrandSeneschaloftheTwoSicilies：Itrust，my，daughter，youwillhavenodifficultyingrantingthis。"
"ButImustconsultthecouncilofregency。"
"Thecouncilwillhastentoratifythequeen’swishes，"repliedRobert，handinghertheparchmentwithanimperiousgesture："youneedonlyspeaktotheCountofArtois。"
Andhecastathreateningglanceatthecurtain，whichhadslightlymoved。
"Youareright，"saidthequeenatonce;andgoinguptoatableshesignedtheparchmentwithatremblinghand。
"Now，mydaughter，IhavecomeinthenameofallthecareIbestowedonyourinfancy，ofallthematernalloveIhavelavishedonyou，toimploreafavourthatmyfamilywillrememberforevermore。"
Thequeenrecoiledone’step，crimsonwithastonishmentandrage;butbeforeshecouldfindwordstoreply，theladycontinuedinavoicethatbetrayednofeeling——
"IrequestyoutomakemysonCountofEboli。"
"Thathasnothingtodowithme，madam;thebaronsofthiskingdomwouldrevolttoamanifIwereonmyownauthoritytoexalttooneofthefirstdignitiesthesonofa——-"
"Alaundressandanegro;youwouldsay，madam？"saidRobert，withasneer。"BertrandofArtoiswouldbeannoyedperhapsifIhadatitlelikehis。"
Headvancedasteptowardsthebed，hishanduponthehiltofhissword。
"Havemercy，Robert！"criedthequeen，checkinghim："Iwilldoallyouask。"
AndshesignedtheparchmentnaminghimCountofEboli。
"Andnow，"Robertwentonimpudently，"toshowthatmynewtitleisnotillusory，whileyouarebusyaboutsigningdocuments，letmehavetheprivilegeoftakingpartinthecouncilsofthecrown：makeadeclarationthat，subjecttoyourgoodpleasure，mymotherandIaretohaveadeliberativevoiceinthecouncilwheneveranimportantmatterisunderdiscussion。"
"Never！"criedJoan，turningpale。"PhilippaendRobert，youabusemyweaknessandtreatyourqueenshamefully。InthelastfewdaysI
haveweptandsufferedcontinually，overcomebyaterriblegrief;I
havenostrengthtoturntobusinessnow。Leaveme，Ibeg：Ifeelmystrengthgives，way。"
"What，mydaughter，"criedtheCatanesehypocritically，"areyoufeelingunwell？Comeandliedownatonce。"Andhurryingtothebed，shetookholdofthecurtainthatconcealedtheCountofArtois。
Thequeenutteredapiercingcry，andthrewherselfbeforePhilippawiththefuryofalioness。"Stop！"shecriedinachokingvoice;
"taketheprivilegeyouask，andnow，ifyouvalueyourownlife，leaveme。"
TheCataneseandhersondepartedinstantly，notevenwaitingtoreply，fortheyhadgotalltheywanted;whileJoan，trembling，randesperatelyuptoBertrand，whohadangrilydrawnhisdagger，andwouldhavefallenuponthetwofavouritestotakevengeancefortheinsultstheyhadofferedtothequeen;buthewasverysoondisarmedbythelovelyshiningeyesraisedtohiminsupplication，thetwoarmscastabouthim，andthetearsshedbyJoan：hefellatherfeetandkissedthemrapturously，withnothoughtofseekingexcuseforhispresence，withnowordoflove，foritwasasiftheyhadlovedalways：helavishedthetenderestcaressesonher，driedhertears，andpressedhistremblinglipsuponherlovelyhead。Joanbegantoforgetheranger，hervows，andherrepentance：soothedbythemusicofherlover’sspeech，shereturneduncomprehendingmonosyllables：
herheartbeattillitfeltlikebreaking，andoncemoreshewasfallingbeneathlove’sresistlessspell，whenanewinterruptionoccurred，shakingherroughlyoutofherecstasy;butthistimetheyoungcountwasabletopassquietlyandcalmlyintoaroomadjoining，andJoanpreparedtoreceiveherimportunatevisitorwithsevereandfrigiddignity。
TheindividualwhoarrivedatsoinopportuneamomentwaslittlecalculatedtosmoothJoan’sruffledbrow，beingCharles，theeldestsonoftheDurazzofamily。Afterhehadintroducedhisfaircousintothepeopleastheironlylegitimatesovereign，hehadsoughtonvariousoccasionstoobtainaninterviewwithher，whichinallprobabilitywouldbedecisive。Charleswasoneofthosemenwhotogaintheirendrecoilatnothing;devouredbyragingambitionandaccustomedfromhisearliestyearstoconcealhismostardentdesiresbeneathamaskofcarelessindifference，hemarchedeveronward，plotsucceedingplot，towardstheobjecthewasbentuponsecuring，andneverdeviatedonehair’s-breadthfromthepathhehadmarkedout，butonlyactedwithdoubleprudenceaftereachvictory，andwithdoublecourageaftereachdefeat。Hischeekgrewpalewithjoy;whenhehatedmost，hesmiled;inalltheemotionsofhislife，howeverstrong，hewasinscrutable。HehadsworntositonthethroneofNaples，andlonghadbelievedhimselftherightfulheir，asbeingnearestofkintoRobertofallhisnephews。TohimthehandofJoanwouldhavebeengiven，hadnottheoldkinginhislatterdaysconceivedtheplanofbringingAndrefromHungaryandre-establishingtheelderbranchinhisperson，thoughthathadlongsincebeenforgotten。ButhisresolutionhadneverforamomentbeenweakenedbythearrivalofAndreinthekingdom，orbytheprofoundindifferencewherewithJoan，preoccupiedwithotherpassion，hadalwaysreceivedtheadvancesofhercousinCharlesofDurazzo。
Neithertheloveofawomannorthelifeofamanwasofanyaccounttohimwhenacrownwasweighedintheotherscaleofthebalance。
Duringthewholetimethatthequeenhadremainedinvisible，Charleshadhungaboutherapartments，andnowcameintoherpresencewithrespectfuleagernesstoinquireforhiscousin’shealth。Theyoungdukehadbeenatpainstosetoffhisnoblefeaturesandelegantfigurebyamagnificentdresscoveredwith，goldenfleur-de-lysandglitteringwithpreciousstones。Hisdoubletofscarletvelvetandcapofthesameshowedup——bytheirownsplendourthewarmcolouringofhisskin，whilehisfaceseemedilluminedbyhisblackeyesthatshonekeenasaneagle’s。
Charlesspokelongwithhiscousinofthepeople’senthusiasmonheraccessionandofthebrilliantdestinybeforeher;hedrewahastybuttruthfulsketchofthestateofthekingdom;andwhilehelavishedpraisesonthequeen’swisdom，hecleverlypointedoutwhatreformsweremosturgentlyneededbythecountry;hecontrivedtoputsomuchwarmth，yetsomuchreserve，intohisspeechthathedestroyedthedisagreeableimpressionhisarrivalhadproduced。Inspiteoftheirregularitiesofheryouthandthedepravitybroughtaboutbyherwretchededucation，Joan’snatureimpelledhertonobleaction：whenthewelfareofhersubjectswasconcerned，sheroseabovethelimitationsofherageandsex，and，forgettingherstrangeposition，listenedtotheDukeofDurazzowiththeliveliestinterestandthekindliestattention。Hethenhazardedallusionstothedangersthatbesetayoungqueen，spokevaguelyofthedifficultyindistinguishingbetweentruedevotionandcowardlycomplaisanceorinterestedattachment;hespokeoftheingratitudeofmanywhohadbeenloadedwithbenefits，andhadbeenmostcompletelytrusted。
Joan，whohadjustlearnedthetruthofhiswordsbysadexperience，repliedwithasigh，andafteramoment’ssilenceadded——
MayGod，whomIcalltowitnessfortheloyaltyanduprightnessofmyintentions，mayGodunmaskalltraitorsandshowmemytruefriends！
Iknowthattheburdenlaiduponmeisheavy，andIpresumenotonmystrength，butItrustthatthetriedexperience，ofthosecounsellorstowhommyuncleentrustedme，thesupportofmyfamily，andyourwarmandsincerefriendshipaboveall，mydearcousin，willhelpmetoaccomplishmyduty。"
"Mysincerestprayeristhatyoumaysucceed，myfaircousin，andI
willnotdarkenwithdoubtsandfearsatimethatoughttobegivenuptojoy;Iwillnotminglewiththeshoutsofgladnessthatriseonallsidestoproclaimyouqueen，anyvainregretsoverthatblindfortunewhichhasplacedbesidethewomanwhomweallalikeadore，whosesingleglancewouldmakeamanmoreblestthantheangels，aforeignerunworthyofyourloveandunworthyofyourthrone。"
"Youforget，Charles，"saidthequeen，puttingoutherhandasthoughtocheckhiswords，"Andreismyhusband，anditwasmygrandfather’swillthatheshouldreignwithme。"
"Never！"criedthedukeindignantly;"heKingofNaples！Nay，dreamthatthetownisshakentoitsveryfoundations，thatthepeopleriseasoneman，thatourchurchbellssoundanewSicilianvespers，beforethepeopleofNapleswillenduretheruleofahandfulofwildHungariandrunkards，adeformedcantingmonk，aprincedetestedbythemevenasyouarebeloved！"
"ButwhyisAndreblamed？Whathashedone？"
"Whathashedone？Whyisheblamed，madam？Thepeopleblamehimasstupid，coarse，asavage;thenoblesblamehimforignoringtheirprivilegesandopenlysupportingmenofobscurebirth;andI，madam，"——hereheloweredhisvoice，"Iblamehimformakingyouunhappy。"
Joanshudderedasthoughawoundhadbeentouchedbyanunkindhand;
buthidingheremotionbeneathanappearanceofcalm，sherepliedinavoiceofperfectindifference——
"Youmustbedreaming，Charles;whohasgivenyouleavetosupposeI
amunhappy？"
"Donottrytoexcusehim，’mydearcousin，"repliedCharleseagerly;
"youwillinjureyourselfwithoutsavinghim。"
Thequeenlookedfixedlyathercousin，asthoughshewouldreadhimthroughandthroughandfindoutthemeaningofhiswords;butasshecouldnotgivecredencetothehorriblethoughtthatcrossedhermind，sheassumedacompleteconfidenceinhercousin’sfriendship，withaviewtodiscoveringhisplans，andsaidcarelessly——
"Well，Charles，supposeIamnothappy，whatremedycouldyouoffermethatImightescapemylot？"
"Youaskmethat，mydearcousin？Arenotallremediesgoodwhenyousuffer，andwhenyouwishforrevenge？"
"Onemustflytothosemeansthatarepossible。Andrewillnotreadilygiveuphispretensions：hehasapartyofhisown，andincaseofopenrupturehisbrothertheKingofHungarymaydeclarewaruponus，andbringruinanddesolationuponourkingdom。"
TheDukeofDurasfaintlysmiled，andhiscountenanceassumedasinister，expression。
"Youdonotunderstandme，"hesaid。
"Thenexplainwithoutcircumlocution，"saidthequeen，tryingtoconcealtheconvulsiveshudderthatranthroughherlimbs。
"Listen，Joan，"saidCharles，takinghiscousin’shandandlayingituponhisheart："canyoufeelthatdagger？"
"Ican，"saidJoan，andsheturnedpale。
"Onewordfromyou——and——"
"Yes？"
"To-morrowyouwillbefree。"
"Amurder！"criedJoan，recoilinginhorror："thenIwasnotdeceived;itisamurderthatyouhaveproposed。"
"Itisanecessity，"saidthedukecalmly："todayIadvise;lateronyouwillgiveyourorders。"
"Enough，wretch！Icannottellifyouaremorecowardlyormorerash：cowardly，becauseyourevealacriminalplotfeelingsurethatIshallneverdenounceyou;rash，becauseinrevealingittomeyoucannottellwhatwitnessesareneartohearitall。"
"Inanycase，madam，sinceIhaveputmyselfinyourhands，youmustperceivethatIcannotleaveyoutillIknowifImustlookuponmyselfasyourfriendorasyourenemy。"
"Leaveme，"criedJoan，withadisdainfulgesture;"youinsultyourqueen。"
"Youforget，mydearcousin，thatsomedayImayverylikelyhaveaclaimtoyourkingdom。"
"Donotforcemetohaveyouturnedoutofthisroom，"saidJoan，advancingtowardsthedoor。
"Nowdonotgetexcited，myfaircousin;Iamgoing：butatleastrememberthatIofferedyoumyhandandyourefusedit。RememberwhatIsayatthissolemnmoment：to-dayIamtheguiltyman;somedayperhapsImaybethejudge。"
Hewentawayslowly，twiceturninghishead，repeatinginthelanguageofsignshismenacingprophecy。Joanhidherfaceinherhands，andforalongtimeremainedplungedindismalreflections;
thenangergotthebetterofallherotherfeelings，andshesummonedDonaCancha，biddinghernottoallowanybodytoenter，onanypretextwhatsoever。
ThisprohibitionwasnotfortheCountofArtois，forthereaderwillrememberthathewasintheadjoiningroom。