human
Did Sir Max tell you who he is?
gpt
No, she replied,
human
I will tell you some day how I guessed it. He does not know that I know, and I would not have you tell him.
gpt
Tell me, Yolanda, demanded Castleman,
human
Nothing, uncle, save that I know--ah, uncle, there is nothing. God pity me, there can be nothing. Whatever his great, true heart feels may be known to me as surely as if he had spoken a thousand vows, but he would not of his own accord so much as touch my hand or speak his love. He knows that one in his station may not mate with a burgher girl. He treats me as a true knight should treat a woman, and if he feels pain because of the gulf between us, he would not bring a like pain to me. He is a strong, noble man, Uncle Castleman, and we must save him.
gpt
If I knew where to begin, I would try at once, said Castleman,
human
I have a plan, interrupted Yolanda,
gpt
It is the work of that accursed Basso, said Hymbercourt, stroking his beard.
human
No villany is too black for him and his minions to do.
gpt
But what have they done? asked Castleman.
human
They surely would not murder these men because of the quarrel at the bridge.
gpt
They would do murder for half that cause, replied Hymbercourt.
human
A brave man hates an assassin, and I am always wondering why the duke, who is so bold and courageous, keeps this band of Italian cut-throats at his court.
gpt
What can we do to rescue our friends if they still live, or to avenge them if dead?
human
I do not know, answered Hymbercourt.
gpt
Let me think it all over, and I will see you at your house to-night. Of this I am certain: you must not move in the matter. If you are known to be interested, certain facts may leak out that would ruin you and perhaps bring trouble to one who already bears a burden too heavy for young shoulders. We know but one useful fact: Calli and Campo-Basso are at the bottom of this evil. The duke suspects that the states adjacent to Switzerland, including Styria, will give aid to the Swiss in this war with Burgundy, and it may be that Duke Charles has reasons for the arrest of our friends. He may have learned that Sir Max is the Count of Hapsburg. I hope his finger is not in the affair. I will learn what I can, and will see you to-night. Till then, adieu.