thought the gondola went quick
enough. Antonio hurried away; and scarcely had he got back in a mean
suit of boatman's clothes, with his face stained brown, and a long
drooping moustache, when the Doge and the Dogaressa came down, both
splendidly dressed. "Who is this stranger?" the Doge asked; and it was
only when Pietro swore by all the saints that he was unfit to row that
day without somebody to help him that the Doge could be persuaded to
let Antonio remain.

"'It is sometimes the case that the very excess of happiness so
invigorates the mind that it can control itself, and keep a command
over the fires of its passion, such that they shall not burst forth
visibly. Antonio managed to control himself (though he was so close to
Annunziata that the very hem of her garment touched him) by giving his
whole attention to his rowing, and avoiding any more adventurous
proceeding than an occasional rapid glance at her. Old Falieri chuckled
and laughed, kissed and stroked Annunziata's little white hand, and put
his arm about her slender waist. When they were half-way across, and
magnificent Venice was spread out before them with all her towers and
palaces, he raised his head and said:

"'"Is it not a fine thing, my darling, to be on the sea with her ruler
and consort? Do not be jealous, sweet one, of this Lady of mine who
bears us on her bosom so meekly and submissively. Listen how sweetly
the waves plash and murmur! She is whispering words of love to the
consort who rules her. You, my darling, wear my ring on your finger;
but _she_ cherishes the betrothal ring which I cast to her in the
profoundest depths of her heart.'

"'"How can the cold, treacherous sea be your consort, my noble lord?"
said Annunziata. "I cannot help a shudder at the thought of your being
betrothed to that arrogant, domineering element."

"'Old Falieri laughed; his beard and chin went up and down.

"'"Have no anxiety, little one," he said; "rest in your soft, tender
arms is sweeter than on the icy breast of that consort beneath us; yet
it is fine to float on the sea, with the sea's lord and master."

"'As he spoke, distant music floated across the water, and the tones of
a soft male voice came near, singing the words--

"'"Ah, senza amare andar sulla mare,
Col sposo del mare non puo consolare."

"'Other voices joined in, and the words were repeated again and again
till they died away over the sea at last, like the breath of the