"
"Then perform it, in all speed, for much depends on the management of
this delicate duty. I will be with thee anon. Harkee, Master Stefano;
take heed of thy prisoner, for the Senate makes great account of her
security."
The Calabrian made such a gesture, as one initiated uses, when he would
express a confidence in his own shrewdness. While the pretended Roderigo
re-entered his gondola, Stefano began to awaken his people. As the
gondola entered the canal of San Marco, the sails of the felucca fell,
and the low Calabrian vessel stole along the tiers towards the clear
water beyond.
The boat quickly touched the steps of the water-gate of the palace.
Gelsomina entered the arch, and glided up the Giant's Stairway, the
route by which she had quitted the palace. The halberdier was the same
that watched as she went out. He spoke to her, in gallantry, but offered
no impediment to her entrance.
"Haste, noble ladies, hasten for the love of the Holy Virgin!" exclaimed
Gelsomina, as she burst into the room in which Donna Violetta and her
companion awaited her appearance. "I have endangered your liberty by my
weakness, and there is not a moment to lose. Follow while you may, nor
stop to whisper even a prayer."
"Thou art hurried and breathless," returned Donna Florinda; "hast thou
seen the Duca di Sant' Agata?"
"Nay, question me not, but follow, noble dames." Gelsomina seized the
lamp, and casting a glance that appealed strongly to her visitors for
tacit compliance, she led the way into the corridors.
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