— 3 — THE EMPRESSYsabeau, wife of Balthasar of Courtrai and Empress of the West, waited in the porphyry cabinet of Cardinal Caprarola. She sat on a low chair by the window and rested her chin on her hand. Her superb eyes were grave and thoughtful; she did not move from her reflective attitude during the time the haughty priest kept her waiting. When at last he entered with a shimmer and ripple of purple silks, she rose and bent her head.
“It pleases you to make me attendant on your pleasure, my lord,” she said.
Cardinal Caprarola gave her calm greeting.
“My time is not my own,” he added. “God His service comes first, lady.” The Empress returned to her seat.
“Have I come here to discuss God with your Eminence?” she asked, and her fair mouth was scornful. The Cardinal crossed to the far
