this I am to understand that I am no longer a ward of the Signor
Gradenigo?"

"Lady, a ready wit has helped you to the explanation. That illustrious
patrician is released from his cherished and well acquitted duties.
To-morrow new guardians will be charged with the care of your prized
person, and will continue their honorable trust, until the wisdom of the
Senate shall have formed for you such an alliance, as shall not
disparage a noble name and qualities that might adorn a throne."

"Am I to be separated from those I love?" demanded Violetta impetuously.

"Trust to the Senate's wisdom. I know not its determination concerning
those who have long dwelt with you, but there can be no reason to doubt
its tenderness or discretion. I have now only to add, that until those
charged anew with the honorable office of your protectors shall arrive,
it will be well to maintain the same modest reserve in the reception of
visitors as of wont, and that your door, lady, must in propriety be
closed against the Signor Gradenigo as against all others of his sex."

"Shall I not even thank him for his care?"

"He is tenfold rewarded in the Senate's gratitude."

"It would have been gracious to have expressed my feelings towards the
Signor Gradenigo in words; but that which is refused to the tongue will
be permitted to the pen."

"The reserve that becomes the state of one so favored is absolute. St.
Mark is jealous where he loves. And, now my commission is discharged, I
humbly take my leave, flattered in having been selected to stand in such
a presence, and to have been thought worthy of so honorable a duty."

As the officer ceased speaking and Violetta returned his bows, she fixed
her eyes, filled with apprehension, on the sorrowful features of her
companions. The ambiguous language of those employed in such missions
was too well known to leave much hope for the future. They all
anticipated their separation on the morrow, though neither could
penetrate the reason of this sudden change in the policy of the state.
Interrogation was useless, for the blow evidently came from the secret
council, whose motives could no more be fathomed than its decrees
foreseen. The monk raised his hands in silent benediction towards his
spiritual charge, and unable, even in the presence of the stranger, to
repress their grief, Donna Florinda and Violetta sank into each other's
arms, and wept.

In the mean time the minister of this cruel blow had delayed