Abellino
approached Rosabella, and said in the tone of supplication:
"Rosabella, wilt thou break thy promise? Am I no longer dear to
thee?"
Rosabella was unable to answer; she stood like one changed to a
statue, and fixed her motionless eyes on the bravo.
Abellino took her cold hand and pressed it to his lips.
"Rosabella," said he, "art thou still mine?"
Rosabella.--Flodoardo, oh! that I had never loved, had never seen
thee!
Abellino.--Rosabella wilt thou still be the bride of Flodoardo? wilt
thou be "the Bravo's Bride?"
Love struggled with abhorrence in Rosabella's bosom, and painful was
the contest.
Abellino.--Hear me, beloved one! It was for thee that I have
discovered myself--that I have delivered myself into the hands of
justice. For thee--oh, what would I not do for thee! Rosabella, I
wait but to hear one syllable from your lips; speak but a decisive
yes or no, and all is ended. Rosabella, dost thou love me still?
And still she answered not; but she threw upon him a look innocent
and tender as ever beamed from the eye of an angel, and that look
betrayed but too plainly that the miscreant was still master of her
heart. She turned from him hastily, threw herself into Camilla's
arms, and exclaimed, "God forgive you, man, for torturing me so
cruelly!"
The Doge had by this time recovered from his stupor. He started
from his chair, threats flashed from his eyes, and his lips trembled
with passion.
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