Andreas withdrew himself gently from Rosabella's arm, and for some
time paced the apartment slowly, with a countenance sad and earnest.
Rosabella sank upon a sofa which stood near her, and wept.
Flodoardo eyed the Doge, and waited for his decision with
impatience.
Thus passed some minutes. An awful silence reigned through the
chamber; Andreas seemed to be labouring with some resolution of
dreadful importance. The lovers wished, yet dreaded, the conclusion
of the scene, and with every moment their anxiety became more
painful.
"Flodoardo!" at length said the Doge, and suddenly stood still in
the middle of the chamber. Flodoardo advanced with a respectful
air. "Young man," he continued, "I am at length resolved; Rosabella
loves you, nor will I oppose the decision of her heart; but
Rosabella is much too precious to admit of my bestowing her on the
first who thinks fit to demand her. The man to whom I give her must
be worthy such a gift. She must be the reward of his services; nor
can he do services so great that such a reward will not overpay
them. Your claims on the Republic's gratitude are as yet but
trifling; an opportunity now offers of rendering as an essential
service. The murderer of Conari, Manfrone, and Lomellino--go, bring
him hither! Alive or dead, thou must bring to this palace the
terrible banditti-king, ABELLINO!"
At this unexpected conclusion of a speech on which his happiness or
despair depended, Flodoardo started back.
Pages:
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114