ppo, not without some twinges, for he
thought of his own projects with regard to Zanetta.

"Now, then," said the mask, "I have resolved to run away with her
to-night. I have the opportunity--for she is here in the Palazzo
Colonna. Now will and can you aid me? I will recompense you
liberally."

"Ah! my lord--your lordship has come to the right market," said the
old sinner. "I'm used to affairs of this kind. Has your lordship a
priest engaged?"

"I have not."

"Then I can recommend one. Hard by is a chapel dedicated to Our Lady,
where there is a very worthy man, accustomed to affairs of this kind,
who will tie the knot for a moderate fee, without asking any
impertinent questions."

"His name?"

"Father Dominic."

"Good! he is the man for us--and you are the prince of gondoliers.
Get your gondola ready, and I will rejoin you at the foot of the
stairs with the lady in a moment."

Old Beppo hastened to prepare his gondola, and while so doing,
muttered to himself,--

"Well, well--this is a good night's work. I'm getting old, and I must
soon retire from business. Every stroke of luck like this helps on the
day when I shall call Zanetta mine. So, there's another old fool to be
duped to-night! Serve him right! Why don't he keep his treasure under
lock and key, as I do? But men will never learn wisdom. Here they
come."

The young cavalier reappeared upon the marble steps, leading a lady,
masked and veiled, but whose elastic step and graceful bearing seemed
to designate her as one moving in the highest circles. The young
lovers took their seats in the centre of the light craft, and drew the
curtains round them, while Beppo pushed off, and his vigorous oar soon
sent the shallop dancing over the waters of the lagoon. After a few
moments the motion ceased, and Beppo informed his patron that they had
arrived at their place of destination. After making the boat fast, the
gondolier landed, and entered the small chapel which stood on the
brink of the canal. In a few moments he returned, and informed the
masked cavalier that all was prepared. The gentleman then handed out
the lady, and both entered the chapel, Beppo keeping guard without, to
prevent or give notice of any intrusion.

The marriage ceremony was performed very rapidly by Father Dominic,
for he was just going to bed when the gondola arrived, and was duly
anxious to despatch his business, that he might consign his wearied
limbs to rest.

"Is it all over?" whi