It was the very
individual who had presided at the fearful execution of the fisherman,
and who had already announced the cessation of the Signor Gradenigo's
powers. His eye glanced suspiciously around the room as he entered, and
the Carmelite trembled in every limb at the look which encountered his
own. But all immediate apprehensions vanished when the usual artful
smile with which he was wont to soften his disagreeable communications,
took place of the momentary expression of a vague and habitual
suspicion.
"Noble lady," he said, bowing with deference to the rank of her he
addressed, "you may learn by this assiduity on the part of their
servant, the interest which the Senate takes in your welfare. Anxious to
do you pleasure, and ever attentive to the wishes of one so young, it
hath been decided to give you the amusement and variety of another
scene, at a season when the canals of our city become disagreeable, from
their warmth and the crowds which live in the air. I am sent to request
you will make such preparations as may befit your convenience during a
few months' residence in a purer atmosphere, and that this may be done
speedily, as your journey, always to prevent discomfort to yourself,
will commence before the rising of the sun."
"This is short notice, Signore, for a female about to quit the dwelling
of her ancestors!"
"St. Mark suffers his love and parental care to overlook the vain
ceremonies of form.
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