"We were about to have entered on our duties at a troublesome moment,
Signori," observed another. "But it would seem that this tumult of the
fishermen has already subsided. I understand the knaves had some reason
for their distrust of the state."
"It is an affair happily settled," answered the senior of the three, who
was long practised in the expediency of forgetting all that policy
required should cease to be remembered after the object was attained.
"The galleys must be manned, else would St. Mark quickly hang his head
in shame."
The Signor Soranzo, who had received some previous instruction in his
new duties, looked melancholy; but he, too, was merely the creature of a
system.
"Is there matter of pressing import for our reflection?" he demanded.
"Signori, there is every reason to believe that the state has just
sustained a grievous loss. Ye both well know the heiress of Tiepolo, by
reputation at least, though her retired manner of life may have kept you
from her company."
"Donna Giulietta is eloquent in praise of her beauty," said the young
husband.
"We had not a better fortune in Venice," rejoined the third inquisitor.
"Excellent in qualities, and better in riches, as she is, I fear we have
lost her, Signori! Don Camillo Monforte, whom God protect until we have
no future use for his influence! had come near to prevail against us;
but just as the state baffled his well laid schemes, the lady has been
thrown by hazard into the hands of the rioters, since which time there
is no account of her movements!"
Paolo Soranzo secretly hoped she was in the arms of the Neapolitan.
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