The glory and credit of a
patrician name must not be weakened by the errors of boyhood. As to this
stranger--quickly, thy mask and cloak--depart as if thou wert merely a
friend bent on some of the idle pleasantries of the hour."
The Bravo resumed his disguise with the readiness of one long practised
in its use, but with a composure that was not so easily disconcerted as
that of the more sensitive senator. The latter did not speak again,
though he hurried Jacopo from his presence by an impatient movement of
the hand.
When the door was closed and the Signor Gradenigo was again alone, he
once more consulted the time-piece, passed his hand slowly and
thoughtfully across his brow, and resumed his walk. For nearly an hour
this exercise, or nervous sympathy of the body with a mind that was
possibly overworked, continued without any interruption from without.
Then came a gentle tap at the door, and, at the usual bidding, one
entered, closely masked like him who had departed, as was so much the
usage of that city in the age of which we write. A glance at the figure
of his guest seemed to apprise the senator of his character, for the
reception, while it was distinguished by the quaint courtesy of the age,
was that of one expected.
"I am honored in the visit of Don Camillo Monforte," said the host,
while the individual named laid aside his cloak and silken visor;
"though the lateness of the hour had given me reason to apprehend that
some casualty had interfered between me and the pleasure.
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