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A thousand sequins on Flodoardo seizing him Andreas. And delivering him up to me, either alive or dead. Contarino. Illustrious signors, you are witnesses of the wager. My Lord Vitalba, there is my hand on it. A thousand sequins! The Senator. Done. Many thanks for your gold, signor. I look on it as already in my purse.
Flodoardo grasped the Doge's hand in silence, and shook it thrice. He turned to Rosabella, and seemed on the point of addressing her, when he suddenly turned away, struck his forehead, and measured the apartment with disordered and unsteady steps. The clock in the tower of St. Mark's church struck five. "Time flies!" cried Flodoardo; "no more delay, then.
Already she saw the sympathising multitude weep round the tomb of him whom all the virtuous loved, and whom the wicked dreaded; whom all his friends adored, and whom even his enemies admired. "Alas! alas!" cried she, "this was but a wretched attempt to play the heroine. Already does my resolution fail me. Ah, Flodoardo! I meant not what I said.
The rest of the company either formed groups of whisperers, or strolled up and down the apartment in evident uneasiness. They would willingly have appeared gay and unconcerned, but they found it impossible to assume even an affectation of gaiety, and thus elapsed another hour, and still Flodoardo came not.
I come to put an end to your anxiety; but first, noble Andreas, I must once more receive the assurance that Rosabella of Corfu shall become my bride, provided I deliver into your power the bravo Abellino." Flodoardo, have you succeeded? Is Abellino your prisoner? Flodoardo. If Abellino is my prisoner, shall Rosabella be my bride? Andreas. Bring me Abellino, alive or dead, and she is yours.
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?
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.
"By no means," answered Flodoardo; and there this interesting conversation came to a full stop.
She heard him term her the murderess of his repose, pray for death as his only refuge; and she saw him with every moment approach towards the attainment of his prayer through the tears which he shed on her account. Already she heard those dreadful words "Flodoardo is no more."
Many a maiden now enjoyed less tranquil slumbers; many an experienced coquette sighed as she laid on her colour at the looking glass; many a prude forgot the rules which she had imposed upon herself, and daily frequented the gardens and walks in which report gave her the hope of meeting Flodoardo.
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