Page 367 - A Knight of the White Cross

you also, for he was sure that the air here had scarce recovered from the
taint of blood. Therefore, here is a paper granting you three months' leave.

His commandery is a pleasant one, and well situated on the slopes of the
hills; and the fresh air will, doubtless, speedily set you up. I should like

nothing better than a stay there myself, but there is much to do to repair the
damages caused by the siege, and to place the city in a state of defence
should the Turks again lay siege to it; and methinks Mahomet will not sit

down quietly under the heavy reverse his troops have met with."

"But I should be glad to stay here to assist in the work, your Highness."

"There are plenty of knights to see to that," D'Aubusson replied, "and it will

be long before you are fit for such work. No, I give my orders for you to
proceed with Caretto to Genoa -- unless, indeed, you would prefer to go to

some other locality to recruit your strength."

"I would much rather go with Sir Fabricius, your Highness, than to any

place where I have no acquaintances. I have a great esteem and respect for
him."

"He is worthy of it; there is no nobler knight in the Order, and, had I fallen,
none who could more confidently have been selected to fill my place. He

has an equally high opinion of you, and spoke long and earnestly
concerning you."

A fortnight later the ship carrying the two knights arrived at Genoa.

"I will go ashore at once, Gervaise," Caretto said. "I know not whether my
cousin is in the city or on her estate; if the former, I will stay with her for a

day or two before going off to my commandery, and of course you will also
be her guest. I hope she will be here, for methinks we shall both need to
refit our wardrobes before we are fit to appear in society."

"Certainly I shall," Gervaise agreed; "for, indeed, I find that my gala

costume suffered a good deal during my long absence; and, moreover,
although I have not increased in height, I have broadened out a good deal