r."

"With all my heart," said Stefano. "But come, comrades, it is no use
waiting here. Let us to our gondolas, and row for St. Marks. You'll
come with us, Antonio."

"Not I--my occupation's gone."

"How so?"

"I have sold my gondola."

"Sold your gondola."

"Ay--that was my word."

"But why?"

"I wanted money."

"Your gondola was the means of earning it."

"Very true--but I had occasion for a certain sum at once."

"And why not have recourse to our purses, Antonio? Light as they are,
we would have made it up by contributions among us."

"I doubted not your kindness--but my self-respect would not permit me
to ask your aid. Good by, comrades; we shall meet again to-morrow."

"To-morrow. _Addio_!"

* * * * *

There was a brilliant masquerade that evening at the palazzo of Count
Giulio Colonna. Invitations had been issued to all the world, and all
the world was present. The finest music, the richest wines, the most
splendid decorations were lavished on the occasion. Perhaps, among
that brilliant company, there was more than one plebeian, who, under
cover of the masque, and employing the license common at these
saturnalia, had intruded himself unbidden.

Old Beppo, the gondolier, was in attendance at the vestibule of the
palace, feasting his avaricious eyes on the glimpses of wealth and
luxury he noted within doors, when a gentleman in rich costume, and
wearing a mask, beckoned him to one side, and desired a moment's
interview.

"Do you know me?" was the first question asked by the stranger.

"No, signor," replied the old gondolier.

"Do you know these gentlemen?" asked the mask, slipping a couple of
gold pieces into the miser's hand.

"Perfectly," replied the boatman, grinning. "What are your lordship's
commands?"

"Is your gondola in waiting?"

"Yes, signor. It lies below, moored to the landing."

"'Tis well; hast thou any scruples about aiding in a love intrigue?"

"None in the world, signor."

"Then I'll make a confidant of you."

"I will be all secrecy, signor."

"Briefly then, gondolier," said the mask, "I am in love with a very
charming young person."

"Well."

"Well--and this young person loves me in return."

"Good; and you are going to marry her."

"Not so fast, gondolier. She has an old guardian, who, at the age of
sixty, or more, has been absurd enough--only think of it--to propose
to marry her himself."

"The absurd old fool!" cried Be