The sentinels
must have their pieces loaded, and, above all things, they must be
strictly charged, on pain of death, to let every one enter, but no
one quit the chamber.
Andreas.--All this shall be done punctually.
Flodoardo.--I have nothing more to say. Noble Andreas, farewell.
Rosabella, to-morrow, when the clock strikes five, we shall meet
again, or never.
He said, and rushed out of the apartment. Andreas shook his head;
while Rosabella sank upon her uncle's bosom, and wept bitterly.
CHAPTER III.--THE MIDNIGHT MEETING.
"Victory!" shouted Parozzi, as he rushed into the Cardinal Gonzaga's
chamber, where the chief conspirators were all assembled; "our work
goes on bravely. Flodoardo returned this morning to Venice, and
Abellino has already received the required sum."
Gonzaga.--Flodoardo does not want talents; I had rather he should
live and join our party. He is seldom off his guard -
Parozzi.--Such vagabonds may well be cautious; they must not forget
themselves, who have so much to conceal from others.
Falieri.--Rosabella, as I understand, by no means sees this
Florentine with unfavourable eyes.
Parozzi.--Oh, wait till to-morrow, and then he may make love to the
devil and his grandmother, if he likes it. Abellino by that time
will have wrung his neck round, I warrant you.
Contarino.--It is strange that, in spite of all inquiries, I can
learn but little at Florence respecting this Flodoardo.
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