Avon Modern Short Story Monthly #36 — page 82: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

ae Pid Fe OS aS as ee | ae oi ‘ ay, | RAFAEL SABATINI Next morning saw him at the Vatican, greatly daring, to deliver in person his forgery to the Duke. Suspicious of his mask, they asked him who he was and whence he came. “Say one who desires to remain unknown with a letter for the . Duke of Gandia which his magnificence will welcome.” Reluctantly, a chamberlain departed with his message. Anon he was conducted above to the magnificent apartments which Gandia occupied during his sojourn there. He found the Duke newly risen, and with him his brother, the auburn-headed young Cardinal of Valencia, dressed in a close-fitting suit of black, that displayed his lithe and gracefully athletic propor- tions, and a cloak of scarlet silk to give a suggestion of his ecclesias- tical rank. Giovanni bowed low, and, thickening his voice that it might not be recognized, announced himself and his mission in one. “From the lady of the rose,” said he, proffering the letter. Valencia stared a moment; then went off into a burst of laughter. Gandia’s face flamed and his eyes sparkled. He snatched the letter, broke its seal, and consumed its contents. Then he flung away to a table, took up a pen, and sat down to write; the tall Valencia watch- ing him with amused scorn a while, then crossing to his side and setting a hand upon his shoulder. “You will never learn,” said the more subtle Cesare, “You must forever be leaving traces where traces are not to be desired.” Gandia looked up into that keen, handsome young face. “You are right,” he said; and crumpled the letter in his hand. Then he looked at the messenger and hesitated. “T am in Madonna’s confidence,” said the man in the mask. Gandia rose. “Then say—say that her letter has carried me to Heaven; that I but await her commands to come in person to declare myself. But bid her hasten, for within two weeks from now I go to _ Naples, and thence I may return straight to Spain.” “The opportunity shall be found, Magnificent. Myself I shall bring you word of it.” The Duke loaded him with thanks, and in his excessive gratitude pressed upon him at parting a purse of fifty ducats, which Giovanni Gomichbooks —- — =< : : ; : (EO)