private edifices of the first order, and
all its external decorations showed it to be the habitation of one of
high importance. Within, the noiseless steps and the air of silent
distrust among the domestics, added to the gloomy grandeur of the
apartments, rendered the abode no bad type of the Republic itself.

As neither of his present visitors was a stranger beneath the roof of
the Signor Gradenigo--for so the proprietor of the palace was
called--they ascended its massive stairs, without pausing to consider
any of those novelties of construction that would attract the eye of one
unaccustomed to such a dwelling. The rank and the known consequence of
the Donna Violetta assured her of a ready reception; and while she was
ushered to the suite of rooms above, by a crowd of bowing menials, one
had gone, with becoming speed, to announce her approach to his master.
When in the ante-chamber, however, the ward stopped, declining to
proceed any further, in deference to the convenience and privacy of her
guardian. The delay was short; for no sooner was the old senator
apprised of her presence, than he hastened from his closet to do her
honor, with a zeal that did credit to his fitness for the trust he
filled. The countenance of the old patrician--a face in which thought
and care had drawn as many lines as time--lighted with unequivocal
satisfaction as he pressed forward to receive his beautiful ward. To her
half-uttered apologies for the intrusion, he would not listen; but as he
led her within, he gallantly professed his pleasure at being honored
with her visits even at moments that, to her scrupulous delicacy, might
appear the most ill-timed.

"Thou canst never come amiss, child as thou art of my ancient friend,
and the especial care of the state!" he added. "The gates of the
Gradenigo palace would open of themselves, at the latest period of the
night, to receive such a guest. Besides, the hour is most suited to the
convenience of one of thy quality who would breathe the fresh evening
air on the canals. Were I to limit thee to hours and minutes, some
truant wish of the moment--some innocent caprice of thy sex and years,
might go ungratified. Ah! Donna Florinda, we may well pray that all our
affection--not to call it weakness--for this persuasive girl, shall not
in the end lead to her own disadvantage!"

"For the indulgence of both, I am grateful," returned Violetta; "I only
fear to urge my little requests at moments when your