ic
and a yellow satin surcoat. Light was beginning to show through Rachel's
windows. Sophia held Rachel's hand for a moment and then let go of it
and stood up to leave.

"Take me with you," Rachel said, seizing Sophia's wrist.

"Not now," said Sophia quickly. "We will all be together when we leave
Orvieto."

Rachel's eyes overflowed with tears. "I do not want to stay here. I want
to go with you now."

"What have you been saying to her?" Tilia said angrily.

"Nothing," said Sophia. She turned to Rachel. "See, Madama will be angry
with me. She thinks I have been frightening you. Now show her that you
are calm and are willing to stay here."

Rachel's thin shoulders slumped. "As you wish, Signora."

In the midst of her fear for Daoud, a pang of guilt shot through Sophia.
She had upset Rachel and then spoken gruffly to her. She rushed to her
and hugged the thin body against hers.

She kissed Rachel quickly and followed Tilia out.

* * * * *

Sophia followed Tilia through the door of Ugolini's cabinet after Tilia
thrust it open without even knocking. Ugolini's eyes bulged at the sight
of Tilia, and he threw down his pen.

He was still in a panic, Sophia saw, heartsick. Even if they could come
up with a plan to rescue Daoud, would he be willing to do anything?

"Now, of all times, you should not be here," he cried at Tilia.

Without a word Tilia marched across the Syrian carpet, her broad hips
swinging under her green gown. She went around Ugolini's desk and held
out her arms to him. With a slightly embarrassed glance at Sophia, he
stood up--he was the same height as Tilia--and let her take him into her
arms. He leaned his head on her shoulder for a moment, then handed her
into his chair.

_They really are lovers_, thought Sophia, seeing the little cardinal's
sudden wistful smile. The sight of that smile gave her new hope. Perhaps
Tilia could restore his courage. Only Ugolini had the power and
authority to do anything about Daoud's imprisonment. Tilia had to bring
him back to himself.

"Did you not want me to know, Adelberto, what happened to David?" she
demanded, looking down at the parchment he had been writing on. "What is
this?"

"I am calculating my horoscope for this day. The stars are telling me I
have overreached myself and have only myself to blame for my downfall."

"For your downfall? Dear God, Adelberto, have you given up hope
already?"

His words dimmed Sophia