The gondolier had ascended a private stairway, and he was now before a
door which had none of those signs of a prison that so freely abounded
in other parts of the building. He paused to listen, and then tapped
with singular caution.
"Who is without?" asked a gentle female voice, at the same instant that
the latch moved and fell again, as if she within waited to be assured
of the character of her visitor before she opened the door.
"A friend to thee, Gelsomina," was the answer.
"Nay, here all are friends to the keepers, if words can be believed. You
must name yourself, or go elsewhere for your answer."
The gondolier removed the mask a little, which had altered his voice as
well as concealed his face.
"It is I, Gessina," he said, using the diminutive of her name.
The bolts grated, and the door was hurriedly opened.
"It is wonderful that I did not know thee, Carlo!" said the female, with
eager simplicity; "but thou takest so many disguises of late, and so
counterfeitest strange voices, that thine own mother might have
distrusted her ear."
The gondolier paused to make certain they were alone; then laying aside
the mask altogether, he exposed the features of the Bravo.
"Thou knowest the need of caution," he added, "and wilt not judge me
harshly."
"I said not that, Carlo--but thy voice is so familiar, that I thought it
wonderful thou could'st speak as a stranger."
"Hast thou aught for me?"
The gentle girl--for she was both young and gentle--hesitated.
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