"As we can neither change
nor mend the practices of the state, better that we should be silent."
"If we cannot alter the power of the council, we may elude it," hastily
answered Don Camillo, though he too dropped his voice, and assured
himself of their security by closing the casement, and casting his eyes
towards the different doors of the room. "Are you assured of the
fidelity of the menials, Donna Florinda?"
"Far from it, Signore; we have those who are of ancient service and of
tried character; but we have those who are named by the Senator
Gradenigo, and who are doubtless no other than the agents of the State."
"In this manner do they pry into the privacy of all! I am compelled to
entertain in my palace varlets that I know to be their hirelings; and
yet do I find it better to seem unconscious of their views, lest they
environ me in a manner that I cannot even suspect. Think you, father,
that my presence here hath escaped the spies?"
"It would be to hazard much were we to rely on such security. None saw
us enter, as I think, for we used the secret gate and the more private
entrance; but who is certain of being unobserved when every fifth eye is
that of a mercenary?"
The terrified Violetta laid her hand on the arm of her lover.
"Even now, Camillo," she said, "thou mayest be observed, and secretly
devoted to punishment!"
"If seen, doubt it not: St. Mark will never pardon so bold an
interference with his pleasure.
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