" The usual words of prayer and sovereignty closed the
proclamation.
As it was not usual for those who ruled so much in the dark to make
their intentions public, all near listened with wonder and awe to the
novel procedure. Some trembled, lest the mysterious and much-dreaded
power was about to exhibit itself; while most found means of making
their admiration of the fatherly interest of their rulers audible.
None heard the words of the officer with more feeling than Gelsomina.
She bent her body far from the window, in order that not a syllable
should escape her.
"Did'st thou hear, Carlo?" demanded the eager girl, as she drew back her
head; "they proclaim, at last, money for the monster who has committed
so many murders!"
Jacopo laughed; but to the ears of his startled companion the sounds
were unnatural.
"The patricians are just, and what they do is right," he said. "They are
of illustrious birth, and cannot err! They will do their duty."
"But here is no other duty than that they owe to God, and to the
people."
"I have heard of the duty of the people, but little is said of the
Senate's."
"Nay, Carlo, we will not refuse them credit when in truth they seek to
keep the citizens from harm. This Jacopo is a monster, detested by all,
and his bloody deeds have too long been a reproach to Venice. Thou
hearest that the patricians are not niggard of their gold, when there is
hope of his being taken.
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