"
Though Jacopo started slightly, the movement was so natural for a
disappointed lover, that it rather aided than endangered his disguise.
"Compose yourself, young Signore," continued Hosea; "these
disappointments attend us all in youth, as I know by severe trials. Leah
was not gained without trouble, and next to success in barter, success
in love is perhaps the most uncertain. Gold is a great make-weight in
both, and it commonly prevails. But you are nearer to losing the lady of
your love and her possessions than you may imagine, for I am sent
expressly to say that she is about to be removed from the city."
"Whither?" demanded Jacopo, so quickly as to do credit to his assumed
character.
"That is the point to learn, Signore. Thy father is a sagacious senator,
and is deep at times in the secrets of the State. But judging from his
uncertainty on this occasion, I think he is guided more by his
calculations than by any assurance of his own knowledge. Just Daniel! I
have seen the moments when I have suspected that the venerable patrician
himself was a member of the Council of Three!"
"His house is ancient and his privileges well established--why should he
not?"
"I say naught against it, Signore. It is a wise body, that doeth much
good, and preventeth much harm. None speak evil of the secret councils
on the Rialto, where men are more given to gainful industry that to wild
discussions of their rulers' acts.
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