"
"Excellent, Stefano! fill thy sails, then, for our masters watch your
movements, and set a value on your diligence."
While the Calabrian complied, Jacopo assisted the females to come up out
of the gondola. In a moment the heavy yards swung off, wing and wing,
and the bubbles that appeared to glance past the side of the Bella
Sorrentina, denoted her speed.
"Thou hast noble ladies in thy passengers," said Jacopo to the padrone,
when the latter was released from the active duties of getting his
vessel in motion; "and though policy requires that they should quit the
city for a time, thou wilt gain favor by consulting their pleasures."
"Doubt me not, Master Roderigo; but thou forgettest that I have not yet
received my sailing instructions; a felucca without a course is as badly
off as an owl in the sun."
"That in good time; there will come an officer of the Republic to settle
this matter with thee. I would not have these noble ladies know, that
one like Annina is to be their fellow-passenger, while they are near the
port; for they might complain of disrespect. Thou understandest,
Stefano?"
"Cospetto! am I a fool? a blunderer? if so, why does the Senate employ
me? the girl is out of hearing, and there let her stay. As long as the
noble dames are willing to breathe the night air, they shall have none
of her company."
"No fear of them. The dwellers of the land little relish the pent air of
thy cabin.
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