preparations as may befit your convenience during a
few months' residence in a purer atmosphere, and that this may be done
speedily, as your journey, always to prevent discomfort to yourself,
will commence before the rising of the sun."

"This is short notice, Signore, for a female about to quit the dwelling
of her ancestors!"

"St. Mark suffers his love and parental care to overlook the vain
ceremonies of form. It is thus the parent dealeth with the child. There
is little need of unusual notice, since it will be the business of the
government to see all that is necessary dispatched to the residence
which is to be honored with the presence of so illustrious a lady."

"For myself, Signore, little preparation is needed. But I fear the train
of servitors, that befit my condition, will require more leisure for
their arrangements."

"Lady, that embarrassment hath been foreseen, and to remove it, the
council hath decided to supply you with the only attendant you will
require, during an absence from the city which will be so short."

"How, Signore! am I to be separated from my people?"

"From the hired menials of your palace, lady, to be confided to those
who will serve your person from a nobler motive."

"And my maternal friend--my ghostly adviser?"

"They will be permitted to repose from their trusts, during your
absence."

An exclamation from Donna Florinda, and an involuntary movement of the
monk, betrayed their mutual concern. Donna Violetta suppressed the
exhibition of her own resentment, and of her wounded affections, by a
powerful effort, in which she was greatly sustained by her pride; but
she could not entirely conceal the anguish of another sort, that was
seated in her eye.

"Do I understand that this prohibition extends to her who in common
serves my person?"

"Signora, such are my instructions."

"Is it expected that Violetta Tiepolo will do these menial offices for
herself?"

"Signora, no. A most excellent and agreeable attendant has been provided
for that duty. Annina," he continued, approaching the door, "thy noble
mistress is impatient to see thee."

As he spoke, the daughter of the wine-seller appeared. She wore an air
of assumed humility, but it was accompanied by a secret mien, that
betrayed independence of the pleasure of her new mistress.

"And this damsel is to be my nearest confidante!" exclaimed Donna
Yioletta, after studying the artful and demure countenance of the girl,
a moment,