"
"If thy master is of no more note than thyself the packet may be
returned."
"There are few within the dominions of St. Mark of better lineage or of
fairer hopes than the Duke of Sant' Agata."
The cold expression of the Bravo's countenance changed.
"If thou comest from Don Camillo Monforte, why dost thou hesitate to
proclaim it? Where are his requests?"
"I know not whether it is his pleasure or that of another which this
paper contains, but such as it is, Signor Jacopo, my duty commands me to
deliver it to thee."
The packet was received calmly, though the organ which glanced at its
seal and its superscription, gleamed with an expression which the
credulous gondolier fancied to resemble that of the tiger at the sight
of blood.
"Thou said'st something of a ring. Dost thou bear thy master's signet? I
am much accustomed to see pledges ere I give faith."
"Blessed San Teodore grant that I did! Were it as heavy as a skin of
wine, I would willingly bear the load; but one that I mistook for you,
Master Jacopo, has it on his own light finger, I fear."
"This is an affair that thou wilt settle with thy master," returned the
Bravo, coldly, again examining the impression of the seal.
"If you are acquainted with the writing of my master," hurriedly
remarked Gino, who trembled for the fate of the packet, "you will see
his skill in the turn of those letters. There are few nobles in Venice,
or indeed in the Sicilies, who have a more scholarly hand, with a quill,
than Don Camillo Monforte; I could not do the thing half so well
myself.
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