THE MIDNIGHT MEETING.
"Victory!" shouted Parozzi, as he rushed into the Cardinal Gonzaga's chamber, where the chief conspirators were all assembled; "our work goes on bravely. Flodoardo returned this morning to Venice, and Abellino has already received the required sum."Gonzaga.--Flodoardo does not want talents; I had rather he should live and join our party. He is seldom off his guard -Parozzi.--Such vagabonds may well be cautious; they must not forget themselves, who have so much to conceal from others.
Falieri.--Rosabella, as I understand, by no means sees this Florentine with unfavourable eyes.
Parozzi.--Oh, wait till to-morrow, and then he may make love to the devil and his grandmother, if he likes it. Abellino by that time will have wrung his neck round, I warrant you.
Contarino.--It is strange that, in spite of all inquiries, I can learn but little at Florence respecting this Flodoardo. My letters inform me that some time ago there did exist a family of that name;but it has been long extinct, or if any of its descendants are still in being at Florence, their existence is quite a secret.
Gonzaga.--Are you all invited to the Doge's tomorrow?
Contarino.--All of us, without exception.
Gonzaga.--That is well. It seems that my recommendations have obtained some weight with him, since his triumvirate has been removed. And in the evening a masked ball is to be given. Did not the Doge's chamberlain say so?
Falieri.--He did.
Memmo.--I only hope there is no trick in all this. If he should have been given a hint of our conspiracy! Mercy on us! my teeth chatter at the thought.
Gonzaga.--Absurd! By what means should our designs have been made known to him? The thing is impossible.
Memmo.--Impossible? What, when there's scarce a cutpurse, housebreaker, or vagabond in Venice who has not been enlisted in our service, would it be so strange if the Doge discovered a little of the business? A secret which is known to so many, how should it escape his penetration?
Contarino.--Simpleton! the same thing happens to him which happens to betrayed husbands. Everyone can see the horns except the man who carries them. And yet I confess it is full time that we should realise our projects, and prevent the possibility of our being betrayed.
Falieri.--You are right, friend; everything is ready now. The sooner that the blow is struck the better.
Parozzi.--Nay, the discontented populace, which at present sides with us, would be perfectly well pleased if the sport began this very night; delay the business longer, and their anger against Andreas will cool, and render them unfit for our purpose.
Contarino.--Then let us decide the game at once; be to-morrow the important day. Leave the Doge to my disposal. I'll at least engage to bury my poniard in his heart, and then let the business end as it may, one of two things must happen: either we shall rescue ourselves from all trouble and vexation, by throwing everything into uproar and confusion, or else we shall sail with a full wind from this cursed world to another.
Parozzi.--Mark me, friends, we must go armed to the Doge's entertainment.
Gonzaga.--All the members of the College of Ten have been particularly invited -Falieri.--Down with every man of them!
Memmo.--Aye, aye! Fine talking, but suppose it should turn out to be down with ourselves?