"

"And you, Maria?"

"I shall be very happy there, father, but I like Venice best."

"You are getting to an age to enjoy gaiety, Maria; and it is natural
you should do so. However, it will not be necessary for you to be long
absent. In a city like Venice there are always fresh subjects for talk,
and the most exciting piece of scandal is but a three days' wonder. A
few weeks at Corfu will restore your nerves, which cannot but have been
shaken by what you have gone through, and you will come back here more
disposed than ever to appreciate the gaieties of Venice."

"As long as it is for only a few weeks, father, I shall not care; for
you know I am very fond, too, of our beautiful home there. Still, I do
like Venice."

They had now reached the steps of the Palazzo Polani. They had not
proceeded by way of the Grand Canal, as the merchant was anxious that
his daughters should reach their home unrecognized, as, had they been
noticed, it would have given rise to no little excitement, and they had
had more than enough of this, and needed quiet and repose. Besides,
until the prisoners were in the safe custody of the officials of the
state, it was in every way desirable that the events of the morning
should remain unknown.

Their return home created quite a tumult of joy in the house. The
preparations that had been made had been kept a profound secret, as the
merchant could not be sure but that some other member of his household
was in the pay of Mocenigo. Thus, until the girls alighted at the
steps, none in the house were aware that any clue had been obtained as
to their hiding place. The women ran down with cries of joy. The men
would have shouted and cheered, had not Polani held up his hand.

"The signoras have had more than enough excitement," he said. "They are
grateful to you for your goodwill and affection, but for the present
they need quiet. They may have more to go through today. I pray you
that no word, as to their return, be said outside the house. I would
not that the news were whispered in the city, till the seignory decide
what is to be done in the matter."

As soon as the girls had gone upstairs to their rooms, the ship's boat
came alongside, and the prisoners were carried into the house, glances
of indignation and anger being cast at the gouvernante, who had, as
soon as she was placed on board the boat, closely veiled herself; and
some of the women broke out into threats and imprecations.

"Captain Lon