binet for my friends?" demanded the Signor
Soranzo, for it was the same Senator who had been in company with the
Doge when the latter went to meet the fishermen.

"Signore, si."

"And the quiet, and the lights--as ordered?"

"Eccellenza, all will be done."

"Thou hast placed seats for six--we shall be six."

"Signore, there are six arm-chairs."

"'Tis well: when the first of my friends arrive, I will join them."

"Eccellenza, there are already two cavaliers in masks within."

The Signor Soranzo started, again consulted his watch, and went hastily
towards a distant and very silent part of the palace. He reached a small
door unattended, and closing it, found himself at once in the presence
of those who evidently awaited his appearance.

"A thousand pardons, Signori," cried the master of the house; "this is
novel duty to me, at least--I know not what may be your honorable
experience--and the time stole upon me unmarked. I pray for grace,
Messires; future diligence shall repair the present neglect."

Both the visitors were older men than their host, and it was quite
evident by their hardened visages they were of much longer practice in
the world. His excuses were received with courtesy, and, for a little
time, the discourse was entirely of usage and convention.

"We are in secret here, Signore?" asked one of the guests, after some
little time had been wasted in this manner.

"As the tomb. None enter here unbidden but my wife, and she has this
moment taken boat for better enjoyment of the evening."

"The world gives you credit, Signor Soranzo, for a happy menage. I hope
you have duly considered the necessity of shutting the door even against
the Donna Giulietta to-night?"

"Doubt me not, Signore; the affairs of St. Mark are paramount."

"I feel myself thrice happy, Signori, that in drawing a lot for the
secret council, my good fortune hath given me so excellent colleagues.
Believe me, I have discharged this awful trust, in my day, in less
agreeable company."

This flattering speech, which the wily old senator had made regularly to
all whom chance had associated with him in the inquisition, during a
long life, was well received, and it was returned with equal
compliments.

"It would appear that the worthy Signor Alessandro Gradenigo was one of
our predecessors," he continued, looking at some papers; for though the
actual three were unknown, at the time being, to all but a few
secretaries and officers of t