"Time flies!" cried Flodoardo; "no more delay, then. In four-and-

twenty hours will I produce in this very palace this dreaded bravo,

Abellino."

Andreas shook his head. "Young man," said he, "be less confident in

your promises; I shall have more faith in your performance."

Flodoardo (serious and firm).--Let things terminate as they may,

either I will keep my word, or never again will cross the threshold

of your palace. I have discovered some traces of the miscreant, and

I trust that I shall amuse you to-morrow, at this time and in this

place, with the representation of a comedy; but should it prove a

tragedy instead, God's will be done.

Andreas.--Remember that too much haste is dangerous; rashness will

destroy even the frail hopes of success which you may reasonably

indulge at present.

Flodoardo.--Rashness, my lord? He who has lived as I have lived,

and suffered what I have suffered, must have been long since cured

of rashness.

Rosabella (taking his hand).--Yet be not too confident of your own

strength, I beseech you! Dear Flodoardo, my uncle loves you, and

his advice is wise! Beware of Abellino's dagger!

Flodoardo.--The best way to escape his dagger is not to allow him

time to use it: within four-and-twenty hours must the deed be done,

or never. Now, then, illustrious Prince, I take my leave of you.

To-morrow I doubt not to convince you that nothing is too much for

love to venture.

Andreas.--Right; to venture: but to achieve?

Flodoardo.--Ah, that must depend--He paused suddenly again his eyes

were fastened eagerly on those of Rosabella, and it was evident that

with every moment his uneasiness acquired fresh strength. He

resumed his discourse to Andreas, with a movement of impatience.

"Noble Andreas," said he, "do not make me dispirited; rather let me

try whether I cannot inspire you with more confidence of my success.

I must first request you to order a splendid entertainment to be

prepared. At this hour in the afternoon of to-morrow let me find

all the principal persons in Venice, both men and women, assembled

in this chamber; for should my hopes be realised, I would willingly

have spectators of my triumph. Particularly let the venerable

members of the College of Ten he invited, in order that they may at

last he brought face to face with this terrible Abellino, against

whom they have so long been engaged in fruitless warfare."

Andreas (after eyeing him some time with a look of mingled surprise

and uncertainty).--They shall be present.




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