"Hark, comrade," said Matteo the next morning to Abellino; "to-day

thou shalt make thy first step in our profession."

"To-day!" hoarsely murmured Abellino; "and on whom am I to show my

skill?"

"Nay, to say truth, 'tis but a woman; but one must not give too

difficult a task to a young beginner. I will myself accompany you,

and see how you conduct yourself in the first trial."

"Hum!" said Abellino, and measured Matteo with his eye from head to

foot.

"To-day, about four o'clock, thou shalt follow me to Dolabella's

gardens, which are situated on the south side of Venice. We must

both be disguised, you understand. In these gardens are excellent

baths; and after using the baths, the Doge's niece, the lovely

Rosabella of Corfu, frequently walks without attendants. And then--

you conceive me?"

"And you will accompany me?"

"I will be a spectator of your first adventure; 'tis thus I deal by

every one."

"And how many inches deep must I plunge my dagger?"

"To the hilt, boy, to the very hilt! Her death is required, and the

payment will be princely; Rosabella in the grave, we are rich for

life."

Every other point was soon adjusted. Noon was now past, the clock

in the neighbouring church of the Benedictines struck four, and

Mattes and Abellino were already forth. They arrived at the gardens

of Dolabella, which that day were unusually crowded. Every shady

avenue was thronged with people of both sexes; every arbour was

occupied by persons most distinguished in Venice. In every corner

sighed lovesick couples, as they waited for the wished approach of

twilight; and on every side did strains of vocal and instrumental

music pour their harmony on the enchanted ear.

Abellino mingled with the crowd. A most respectable looking peruke

concealed the repulsive ugliness of his features; he imitated the

walk and manners of a gouty old man, and supported himself by a

crutch, as he walked slowly through the assembly. His habit, richly

embroidered, procured for him universally a good reception, and no

one scrupled to enter into conversation with him respecting the

weather, the commerce of the Republic, or the designs of its

enemies; and on none of these subjects was Abellino found incapable

of sustaining the discourse.

By these means he soon contrived to gain intelligence that Rosabella

was certainly in the gardens, how she was habited, and in what

quarter he was most likely to find her.

Thither he immediately bent his course; and hard at his heels

followed Matteo.




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