Instantly a sudden silence reigned through the whole assembly. The
young courtiers broke off their love-speeches abruptly, and the
ladies stopped in their criticisms upon the last new fashions. The
statesmen dropped their political discussions, and gazed on each
other in silence and anxiety.
The Doge advanced slowly into the midst of the assembly. Every eye
was fixed upon him. The hearts of the conspirators beat painfully.
"Be not surprised, my friends," said Andreas, "at these unusual
precautions; they relate to nothing which need interfere with the
pleasures of this society. You have all heard but too much of the
bravo Abellino, the murderer of the Procurator Conari, and of my
faithful counsellors Manfrone and Lomellino, and to whose dagger my
illustrious guest the Prince of Monaldeschi has but lately fallen a
victim. This miscreant, the object of aversion to every honest man
in Venice, to whom nothing is sacred or venerable, and who has
hitherto set at defiance the whole vengeance of the Republic--before
another hour expires, perhaps this outcast of hell may stand before
you in this very saloon."
All (astonished).--Abellino? What, the bravo Abellino?
Gonzaga.--Of his own accord!
Andreas.--No, not of his own accord, in truth. But Flodoardo of
Florence has undertaken to render this important service to the
Republic, to seize Abellino, cost what it may, and conduct him
hither at the risk of his life.
A Senator.--The engagement will be difficult to fulfil. I doubt
much Flodoardo's keeping his promise.
Another.--But if he SHOULD perform it, the obligation which
Flodoardo will lay upon the Republic will not be trifling.
A Third.--Nay, we shall be all his debtors, nor do I know how we can
reward Flodoardo for so important a service.
Andreas.--Be that my task. Flodoardo has demanded my niece in
marriage if he performs his promise. Rosabella shall be his reward.
All gazed on each other in silence; some with looks expressing the
most heartfelt satisfaction, and others with glances of envy and
surprise.
Falieri (in a low voice).--Parozzi, how will this end?
Memmo.--As I live, the very idea makes me shake as if I had a fever.
Parozzi (smiling contemptuously).--It's very likely that Abellino
should suffer himself to be caught!
Contarino.--Pray inform me, signors, have any of you ever met this
Abellino face to face?
Several Noblemen at once.--Not I. Never.
A Senator.--He is a kind of spectre, who only appears now and then,
when he is least expected and desired.
Rosabella.--I saw him once; never again shall I forget the monster.
Andreas.--And my interview with him is too well known to make it
needful for me to relate it.