But, Signore, be he of this or that
council, or merely of the Senate, a heedful hint has fallen from his
lips of the danger we are in of losing--"
"We!--Hast thou thoughts of Donna Violetta, Hosea?"
"Leah and the law forbid!--If the comely queen of Sheba herself were to
tempt me, and a frail nature showed signs of weakness, I doubt that our
rabbis would find reasons for teaching self-denial! Besides, the
daughter of Levi is no favorer of polygamy, nor any other of our sex's
privileges. I spoke in pluralities, Signore, because the Rialto has some
stake in this marriage as well as the house of Gradenigo."
"I understand thee. Thou hast fears for thy gold?"
"Had I been easily alarmed, Signor Giacomo, in that particular, I might
not have parted with it so readily. But, though the succession of thy
illustrious father will be ample to meet any loan within my humble
means, that of the late Signor Tiepolo will not weaken the security."
"I admit thy sagacity, and feel the importance of thy warning. But it
seems to have no other object or warranty than thy own fears."
"With certain obscure hints from your honored father, Signore?"
"Did he say more to the point?"
"He spoke in parables, young noble, but having an oriental ear his words
were not uttered to the wind. That the rich damsel is about to be
conveyed from Venice am I certain, and for the benefit of the little
stake I have myself in her movements, I would give the best turquoise in
my shop to know whither.
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