Addio, good Gessina; I hope thy father will permit thee to come and
visit, at last, those who so much love thee."
"Addio, Annina; thou knowest I would come gladly, but that I scarce
quit the side of my poor mother."
The wily daughter of the wine-seller gave her guileless and unsuspecting
friend a kiss, and then she was let out and departed.
"Carlo," said the soft voice of Gessina; "thou can'st come forth, for we
have no further fear of visits."
The Bravo appeared, but with a paleness deeper than common on his cheek.
He looked mournfully at the gentle and affectionate being who awaited
his return, and when he struggled to answer her ingenuous smile, the
abortive effort gave his features an expression of ghastliness.
"Annina has wearied thee with her idle discourse of the regatta, and of
murders on the canals. Thou wilt not judge her harshly, for the manner
in which she spoke of Giuseppe, who may deserve this, and more. But I
know thy impatience, and I will not increase thy weariness."
"Hold, Gessina--this girl is thy cousin?"
"Have I not told thee so? Our mothers are sisters."
"And she is here often?"
"Not as often as she could wish, I am certain, for her aunt has not
quitted her room for many, many months."
"Thou art an excellent daughter, kind Gessina, and would make all others
as virtuous as thyself. And thou hast been to return these visits?"
"Never. My father forbids it, for they are dealers in wines, and
entertain the gondoliers in revelry.
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