of sin than to elude the agents of the police. I tremble lest this
visit should be known, for we are encircled with the ministers of the
state, and not a palace in Venice is more narrowly watched than this.
Were thy presence here detected, indiscreet young man, thy youth might
pine in a prison, while thou would'st be the cause of persecution and
unmerited sorrow to this innocent and inexperienced maiden."

"A prison, sayest thou, father!"

"No less, daughter. Lighter offences are often expiated by heavier
judgments, when the pleasure of the Senate is thwarted."

"Thou must not be condemned to a prison, Camillo!"

"Fear it not. The years and peaceful calling of the father make him
timid. I have long been prepared for this happy moment, and I ask but a
single hour to put Venice and all her toils at defiance. Give me the
blessed assurance of thy truth, and confide in my means for the rest."

"Thou nearest, Florinda!"

"This bearing is suited to the sex of Don Camillo, dearest, but it ill
becometh thee. A maiden of high quality must await the decision of her
natural guardians."

"But should that choice be Giacomo Gradenigo?"

"The Senate will not hear of it. The arts of his father have long been
known to thee; and thou must have seen, by the secresy of his own
advances, that he distrusts their decision. The state will have a care
to dispose of thee as befitteth thy hopes. Thou art sought of many, and
those who guard thy fortune only await the proposals which best become
thy birth."

"Proposals that become my birth?"

"Suitable in years, condition, expectations, and character."

"Am I to regard Don Camillo Monforte as one beneath me?"

The monk again interposed.

"This interview must end," he said. "The eyes drawn upon us by your
indiscreet music, are now turned on other objects, Signore, and you must
break your faith, or depart."

"Alone, father?"

"Is the Donna Violetta to quit the roof of her father with as little
warning as an unfavored dependant?"

"Nay, Signor Monforte, you could not, in reason, have expected more, in
this interview, than the hope of some future termination to your suit---
some pledge--"

"And that pledge?"

The eye of Violetta turned from her governess to her lover, from her
lover to the monk, and from the latter to the floor.

"Is thine, Camillo."

A common cry escaped the Carmelite and the governess.

"Thy mercy, excellent friends," continued the blushing but decided
Vio