Chapter 36

The gay flutter of silk and satin, the elegant grace of the strangers, pleased him, and he smiled like a contented child. But suddenly all the light was struck out of his face. "Gian," he said dully. "The Duke!" the courtiers behind him took up the word, and the tattle of voices ceased. Gian Visconti was approaching down the gallery, followed by several pages in the Viper's silver and green livery. He passed between the rows of bowing courtiers carelessly; there were many there of the proud nobility of France who f…