se
so illustrious and so endowed as that of Tiepolo. But in this, what is
there more than of wont? Do not the nobles of all Italy seek their
equals in condition and in the gifts of fortune, in order that their
union may be fittingly assorted. How know we that the estates of my
young friend have not a value in the eye of the Duke of St. Agata as
well as in those of him that the Senate may elect for thy husband?"

"Can this be true?" exclaimed Violetta.

"Believe it not; my errand in Venice is no secret. I seek the
restitution of lands and houses long withheld from my family, with the
honors of the Senate that are justly mine. All these do I joyfully
abandon for the hope of thy favor."

"Thou nearest, Florinda: Don Camillo is not to be distrusted!"

"What are the Senate and the power of St. Mark that they should cross
our lives with misery? Be mine, lovely Violetta, and in the fastnesses
of my own good Calabrian castle we will defy their vengeance and policy.
Their disappointment shall furnish merriment for my vassals, and our
felicity shall make the happiness of thousands. I affect no disrespect
for the dignity of the councils, nor any indifference to that I lose,
but to me art thou far more precious than the horned bonnet itself, with
all its fancied influence and glory."

"Generous Camillo!"

"Be mine, and spare the cold calculators of the Senate another crime.
They think to dispose of thee, as if thou wert worthless merchandise, to
their own advantage. But thou wilt defeat their design. I read the
generous resolution in thine eye, Violetta; thou wilt manifest a will
superior to their arts and egotism."

"I would not be trafficked for, Don Camillo Monforte, but wooed and won
as befitteth a maiden of my condition. They may still leave me liberty
of choice. The Signor Gradenigo hath much encouraged me of late with
this hope, when speaking of the establishment suited to my years."

"Believe him not; a colder heart, a spirit more removed from charity,
exists not in Venice. He courts thy favor for his own prodigal son; a
cavalier without honor, the companion of profligates, and the victim of
the Hebrews. Believe him not, for he is stricken in deceit."

"He is the victim of his own designs, if this be true. Of all the youths
of Venice I esteem Giacomo Gradenigo least."

"This interview must have an end," said the monk, imposing effectually,
and compelling the lover to rise. "It would be easier to escape the
toils