Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1898. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XVIII. And So my life went on for a little while, filled with pleasure and amusement. I was contented with my lot, and had no wish for change. The time went by, and we reached the first week in April. Girolamo had organised a great ball to celebrate the completion of his palace. He had started living in it as soon as there were walls and roof, but he had spent years on the decorations, taking into his service the best artists he could find in Italy; and now, at last, everything was finished. The Orsi had been invited with peculiar cordiality, and on the night we betook ourselves to the Palace. We walked up the stately staircase, a masterpiece of architecture, and found ourselves in the enormous hall which Girolamo had designed especially for gorgeous functions. It was ablaze with light. At the further end, on a low stage, led up to by three broad steps, under a dais, on high-backed, golden chairs, sat Girolamo and Caterina Sforza. Behind them, in a semicircle, and on the steps at each side, were the ladies of Caterina's suite, and a number of gentlemen; at the back, standing like statues, a row of men-at-arms. "It is almost regal!" said Checco, pursing up his lips. "It is not so poor a thing to be the Lord of Forli," answered Matteo. Fuel to the fire! We approached, and Girolamo, as he saw us, rose and came down the steps. "Hail, my Checco!" he said, taking both his hands. "Till you had come, the assembly was not complete." Matteo and I went to the countess. She had surpassed herself this night. Her dress was of cloth of silver, shimmering and sparkling. In her hair were diamonds, shining like fireflies in the night; her arms, her neck, her fingers, glittered with costly gems. I had never seen her look so beautiful, nor so magnificent. Let them say what ...
