Lomellino.--That he has; a heart like his father's. Will it please you to see and converse with him? He is yonder, among the masks in the great saloon. One thing I must tell you, as a specimen of his designs. He has heard of the banditti who infest Venice, and he engages that the first piece of service which he renders the Republic shall be the delivering into the hands of justice those concealed assassins, who hitherto have eluded the vigilance of our police.
Andreas.--Indeed! I doubt that promise will be too much for his power to perform. Flodoardo, I think you called him? Tell him Iwould speak with him.
Lomellino.--Oh! then I have gained at least the HALF of my cause, and I believe the WHOLE of it, for to see Flodoardo and not to like him is as difficult as to look at Paradise and not wish to enter.
To see Flodoardo and to hate him is as unlikely as that a blind man should hate the kind hand which removes the cataract from his eyes, and pours upon them the blessings of light and beauties of nature.
Andreas (smiling).--In the whole course of our acquaintance, Lomellino, never did I hear you so enthusiastic! Go, then, conduct this prodigy hither.
Lomellino.--I hasten to find him. And as for you, signora, look to yourself! look to yourself, I say!
Rosabella.--Nay, prithee, Lomellino, bring your hero hither without delay; you have raised my curiosity to the height.
Lomellino quitted the saloon.
Andreas.--How comes it that you rejoin not the dancers, my child?
Rosabella.--I am weary, and, besides, curiosity now detains me here, for I would fain see this Flodoardo, whom Lomellino thinks deserving of such extraordinary praise. Shall I tell you the truth, my dear uncle? I verily believe that I am already acquainted with him.
There was a mask in a Grecian habit, whose appearance was so striking, that it was impossible for him to remain confounded with the crowd. The least attentive eye must have singled him out from among a thousand. It was a tall light figure, so graceful in every movement; then his dancing was quite perfection.
Andreas (smiling, and threatening with his finger).--Child, child!
Rosabella.--Nay, my dear uncle, what I say is mere justice; it is possible, indeed, that the Greek and the Florentine may be two different persons, but still, according to Lomellino's description--Oh! look, dear uncle, only look yonder; there stands the Greek, as Ilive.
Andreas.--And Lomellino is with him; they approach. Rosabella, you have made a good guess.
The Doge had scarcely ceased to speak, when Lomellino entered the room, conducting a tall young man, richly habited in the Grecian fashion.
"My gracious lord," said Lomellino, "I present to you the Count Flodoardo, who humbly sues for your protection."Flodoardo uncovered his head in token of respect, took off his mask, and bowed low before the illustrious ruler of Venice.
Andreas.--I understand you are desirous of serving the Republic?
Flodoardo.--That is my ambition, should your Highness think me deserving of such an honour.
Andreas.--Lomellino speaks highly of you; if all that he says be true, how came you to deprive your own country of your services?
Flodoardo.--Because my own country is not governed by an Andreas.
Andreas.--You have intentions, it seems, of discovering the haunts of the banditti, who for some time past have caused so many tears to flow in Venice?
Flodoardo.--If your Highness would deign to confide in me, I would answer with my head for their delivery into the hands of your officers, and that speedily.
Andreas.--That were much for a stranger to perform. I would fain make the trial whether you can keep your word.
Flodoardo.--That is sufficient. To-morrow, or the day after at least, will I perform my promise.
Andreas.--And you make that promise so resolutely? Are you aware, young man, how dangerous a task it is to surprise these miscreants?
They are never to be found when sought for, and always present when least expected; they are at once everywhere and nowhere. There exists not a nook in Venice which our spies are not acquainted with, or have left unexamined, and yet has our police endeavoured in vain to discover the place of their concealment.
