a Sorrentine felucca, now lying in the port. The
man is in strict amity with my own gondolier, he who was third in this
day's race. Art thou ill, father, that thou appearest troubled?"

"Proceed with thy expedient," answered the monk, motioning that he
wished not to be observed.

"My faithful Gino reports that this Stefano is on the canals, on some
errand of the Republic, as he thinks; for though the mariner is less
disposed to familiarity than is wont, he hath let drop hints that lead
to such a conclusion; the felucca is ready from hour to hour to put to
sea, and doubt not that the padrone would rather serve his natural lord
than these double-dealing miscreants of the Senate. I can pay as well as
they, if served to my pleasure, and I can punish too, when offended."

"There is reason in this, Signore, wert thou beyond the wiles of this
mysterious city. But in what manner thou embark, without drawing the
notice of those who doubtless watch our movements, on thy person?"

"There are maskers on the canals at all hours, and if Venice be so
impertinent in her system of watchfulness, thou knowest, father, that,
without extraordinary motive, that disguise is sacred. Without this
narrow privilege, the town would not be habitable a day."

"I fear the result," observed the hesitating monk, while it was evident
from the thoughtfulness of his countenance, that he calculated the
chances of the adventure. "If known and arrested, we are all lost!"

"Trust me, father, that thy fortune shall not be forgotten, even in that
unhappy issue. I have an uncle, as you know, high in the favor of the
pontiff, and who wears the scarlet hat. I pledge to you the honor of a
cavalier, all my interest with this relative, to gain such intercession
from the church as shall weaken the blow to her servant."

The features of the Carmelite flushed, and for the first time the ardent
young noble observed around his ascetic mouth an expression of worldly
pride.

"Thou hast unjustly rated my apprehensions, Lord of St. Agata," he said;
"I fear not for myself, but for others. This tender and lovely child
hath not been confided to my care, without creating a parental
solicitude in her behalf, and"--he paused, and seemed to struggle with
himself--"I have too long known the mild and womanly virtues of Donna
Florinda, to witness with indifference her exposure to a near and
fearful danger. Abandon our charge we cannot; nor do I see in what
manner, as prudent an