"
"Noble ladies," said Flodoardo, with a smile, expressing rather
sorrow than joy, "you have nothing to apprehend. Abellino shall do
you no harm; but he needs must come hither to claim THE BRAVO'S
BRIDE." And he pointed to Rosabella.
"Oh, my best friend," she answered, "how shall I express my thanks
to you for having thus put an end to my terrors? I shall tremble no
more at hearing Abellino named. Rosabella shall now be called the
Bravo's Bride no longer."
Falieri.--Is Abellino already in this palace?
Flodoardo.--He is.
Vitalba.--Then why do you not produce him? Why do you trifle so
long with our impatience?
Flodoardo.--Be patient. It's now time that the play should begin.
Be seated, noble Andreas. Let all the rest arrange themselves
behind the Doge. Abellino's coming!
At that word both old and young, both male and female, with the
rapidity of lightning, flew to take shelter behind Andreas. Every
heart beat anxiously; but as to the conspirators, while expecting
Abellino's appearance, they suffered the torments of the damned.
Grave and tranquil sat the Doge in his chair, like a judge appointed
to pass sentence on this King of the Banditti. The spectators stood
around in various groups, all hushed and solemn, as if they were
waiting to receive their final judgment. The lovely Rosabella, with
all the security of angels whose innocence have nothing to fear,
reclined her head on Camilla's shoulder and gazed on her heroic
lover with looks of adoration.
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