"Noble Andreas," said he, "do not make me dispirited; rather let me
try whether I cannot inspire you with more confidence of my success.
I must first request you to order a splendid entertainment to be
prepared. At this hour in the afternoon of to-morrow let me find
all the principal persons in Venice, both men and women, assembled
in this chamber; for should my hopes be realised, I would willingly
have spectators of my triumph. Particularly let the venerable
members of the College of Ten he invited, in order that they may at
last he brought face to face with this terrible Abellino, against
whom they have so long been engaged in fruitless warfare."
Andreas (after eyeing him some time with a look of mingled surprise
and uncertainty).--They shall be present.
Flodoardo.--I understand, also, that since Conari's death you have
been reconciled to the Cardinal Gonzaga; and that he has convinced
you how unjust were the prejudices with which Conari had inspired
you against the nobility--Parozzi, Contarino, and the rest of that
society. During my late excursions I have heard much in praise of
these young men, which makes me wish to show myself to them in a
favourable light. If you have no objection, let me beg you to
invite them also.
Andreas.--You shall be gratified.
Flodoardo.--One thing more, which had nearly escaped my memory. Let
no one know the motive of this entertainment till the whole company
is assembled. Then let guards be placed around the palace, and,
indeed, it may be as well to place them even before the doors of the
saloon; for in truth this Abellino is such a desperate villain, that
too many precautions cannot be taken against him.
Pages:
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118