I am now a poor forsaken old man. You have
heard that Lomellino--that Manfrone--"
"I know all," answered Flodoardo, with a melancholy air.
"Satan has burst his chains, and now inhabits Venice under the name
of Abellino, robbing me of all that my soul holds precious.
Flodoardo, for Heaven's love, be cautious; often, during your
absence, have I trembled lest the miscreant's dagger should have
deprived me too of YOU. I have much to say to you, my young friend,
but I must defer it till the evening. A foreigner of consequence
has appointed this hour for an audience, and I must hasten to
receive him--but in the evening--"
He was interrupted by the appearance of Rosabella, who, with
tottering steps and pale cheeks, advanced slowly into the apartment.
She saw Flodoardo, and a faint blush overspread her countenance.
Flodoardo rose from his seat, and welcomed her with an air of
distant respect.
"Do not go yet," said the Doge; "perhaps in half an hour I may be at
liberty: in the meanwhile I leave you to entertain my poor
Rosabella. She has been very ill during your absence; and I am
still uneasy about her health. She kept her bed till yesterday, and
truly I think she has left it too soon."
The venerable Doge quitted the apartment, and the lovers once more
found themselves alone. Rosabella drew near the window; Flodoardo
at length ventured to approach it also.
"Signora," said he, "are you still angry with me?"
"I am not angry with you," stammered out Rosabella, and blushed as
she recollected the garden scene.
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