"This may not be," said the latter in a reproving voice. "Arise, Don
Camillo, lest I repent listening to your prayer; you exceed our
conditions."
"As much as this emotion exceedeth my hopes," answered the noble. "Holy
father, it is a sin to oppose Providence! Providence brought me to the
rescue of this lovely being when accident threw her into the Giudecca,
and once more Providence is my friend, by permitting me to be a witness
of this feeling. Speak, fair Violetta, thou wilt not be an instrument of
the Senate's selfishness--thou wilt not hearken to their wish of
disposing of thy hand on the mercenary who would trifle with the most
sacred of all vows to possess thy wealth?"
"For whom am I destined?" demanded Violetta.
"No matter, since it be not for me. Some trafficker in happiness, some
worthless abuser of the gifts of fortune."
"Thou knowest, Camillo, our Venetian custom, and must see that I am
hopelessly in their hands."
"Arise, Duke of St. Agata," said the monk, with authority--"when I
suffered you to enter this palace, it was to remove a scandal from its
gates, and to save you from your own rash disregard of the state's
displeasure. It is idle to encourage hopes that the policy of the
Republic opposes. Arise then, and respect your pledges."
"That shall be as this lady may decide. Encourage me with but an
approving look, fairest Violetta, and not Venice, with its Doge and
inquisition, shall stir me an inch from thy feet!"
"Camillo!" answered the trembling girl, "thou, the preserver of my life,
hast little need to kneel to me!"
"Duke of St.
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