nshine had
at last dawned for the distracted island kingdom--whether compassed by
the wisdom of the astute and vigilant counsellors who sat close under
the ear of the youthful Queen--by the superior force of the Venetian
galleys, or by the winning charm of the Queen herself. The echoes of
conspiracy had been stilled and the cities of Cyprus were taking new
pride in their commerce, while they were growing richer in measures of
philanthropy and education and that blossoming of arts and culture which
only may adorn a court at leisure from petty wars and intrigues.

Early in these days of quiet Caterina had turned once more to her cousin
the Bernardini, bidding him ask some favor at her hand--"For verily I
owe thee more than I may repay."

"There could be never a debt between us, my cousin," he answered
smiling: then with the ceremonious bow of a courtier, he added, with a
singular mixture of gravity and playfulness: "I would remind your
Majesty of a function of this Court which it hath never pleased my fair
cousin to exercise. There is one among the maids of honor--most rare and
noble--bounden by special vows of fealty, as a _Dama di Maridaggio_, to
marry at the command of her Sovereign."

He stood before her quite unabashed and smiling, while she scanned him
in surprise.

"Margherita de Iblin?" she questioned, half unbelieving.

"Margherita!" he answered, radiantly; "there is no other."

"And how--if when I name the other two which custom doth demand for this
ceremonial, she shall find a knight more to her liking?" Caterina asked
teasingly.

"Name one; and name him thrice," he answered boldly.

"Little I dreamed thee, Aluisi, so poor a knight that thou shouldst lack
the courage to plead thine own cause," she exclaimed in amusement. "And
of what avail a gift that is not free?"

He joined frankly in her laugh.

"Nay," he said; "the case is quite otherwise. For she will not say me
nay, fair Cousin, because--in sooth some day she shall tell me why; and
I count myself too leal a knight to tell it--if I knew--before she shall
bid me speak. For the cause hath been pleaded and _not_ rejected; and
the gift hath been given, but _not_ confessed; which, were it not thus,
I should seek no aid--having no mind to steal, were it even the heart of
a maid. But now it is rather wit than 'courage' that I lack, to outwit
my lady--may those forgive me who hold her favor!"

"I will right heartily forgive thee, so but thou win it,"