"
"Is it expected that Violetta Tiepolo will do these menial offices for
herself?"
"Signora, no. A most excellent and agreeable attendant has been provided
for that duty. Annina," he continued, approaching the door, "thy noble
mistress is impatient to see thee."
As he spoke, the daughter of the wine-seller appeared. She wore an air
of assumed humility, but it was accompanied by a secret mien, that
betrayed independence of the pleasure of her new mistress.
"And this damsel is to be my nearest confidante!" exclaimed Donna
Yioletta, after studying the artful and demure countenance of the girl,
a moment, with a dislike she did not care to conceal.
"Such hath been the solicitude of your illustrious guardians, lady. As
the damsel is instructed in all that is necessary, I will intrude no
longer, but take my leave, recommending that you improve the hours,
which are now few, between this and the rising sun, that you may profit
by the morning breeze in quitting the city."
The officer glanced another look around the room, more, however, through
habitual caution than any other reason, bowed, and departed.
A profound and sorrowful silence succeeded. Then the apprehension that
Don Camillo might mistake their situation and appear, flashed upon the
mind of Violetta, and she hastened to apprise him of the danger, by
speaking to the new attendant.
"Thou hast served before this, Annina?" she asked, so loud as to permit
the words to be heard in the oratory.
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