"Hark, comrade," said Matteo the next morning to Abellino; "to-day
thou shalt make thy first step in our profession."
"To-day!" hoarsely murmured Abellino; "and on whom am I to show my
skill?"
"Nay, to say truth, 'tis but a woman; but one must not give too
difficult a task to a young beginner. I will myself accompany you,
and see how you conduct yourself in the first trial."
"Hum!" said Abellino, and measured Matteo with his eye from head to
foot.
"To-day, about four o'clock, thou shalt follow me to Dolabella's
gardens, which are situated on the south side of Venice. We must
both be disguised, you understand. In these gardens are excellent
baths; and after using the baths, the Doge's niece, the lovely
Rosabella of Corfu, frequently walks without attendants. And then--
you conceive me?"
"And you will accompany me?"
"I will be a spectator of your first adventure; 'tis thus I deal by
every one."
"And how many inches deep must I plunge my dagger?"
"To the hilt, boy, to the very hilt! Her death is required, and the
payment will be princely; Rosabella in the grave, we are rich for
life."
Every other point was soon adjusted. Noon was now past, the clock
in the neighbouring church of the Benedictines struck four, and
Mattes and Abellino were already forth. They arrived at the gardens
of Dolabella, which that day were unusually crowded. Every shady
avenue was thronged with people of both sexes; every arbour was
occupied by persons most distinguished in Venice. In every corner
sighed lovesick couples, as they waited for the wished approach of
twilight; and on every side did strains of vocal and instrumental
music pour their harmony on the enchanted ear.
Abellino mingled with the crowd. A most respectable looking peruke
concealed the repulsive ugliness of his features; he imitated the
walk and manners of a gouty old man, and supported himself by a
crutch, as he walked slowly through the assembly. His habit, richly
embroidered, procured for him universally a good reception, and no
one scrupled to enter into conversation with him respecting the
weather, the commerce of the Republic, or the designs of its
enemies; and on none of these subjects was Abellino found incapable
of sustaining the discourse.
By these means he soon contrived to gain intelligence that Rosabella
was certainly in the gardens, how she was habited, and in what
quarter he was most likely to find her.
Thither he immediately bent his course; and hard at his heels
followed Matteo.