Alone, and in the most retired arbour, sat Rosabella of Corfu, the
fairest maid in Venice.
Abellino drew near the arbour; he tottered, as he passed its
entrance, like one oppressed with sudden faintness, and attracted
Rosabella's attention.
"Alas, alas!" cried he, "is there no one at hand who will take
compassion on the infirmity of a poor old man?"
The Doge's fair niece quitted the arbour hastily, and flew to give
assistance to the sufferer.
"What ails you, my good father?" she inquired in a melodious voice,
and with a look of benevolent anxiety.
Abellino pointed towards the arbour; Rosabella led him in, and
placed him on a seat of turf.
"God reward you, lady," stammered Abellino, faintly. He raised his
eyes; they met Rosabella's, and a blush crimsoned her pale cheeks.
Rosabella stood in silence before the disguised assassin, and
trembled with tender concern for the old man's illness; and oh, that
expression of interest ever makes a lovely women look so much more
lovely! She bent her delicate form over the man who was bribed to
murder her, and after a while asked him, in gentlest tone, "Are you
not better?"
"Better?" stammered the deceiver, with a feeble voice, "better--oh,
yes, yes, yes. You--you are the Doge's niece--the noble Rosabella
of Corfu?"
"The same, my good old man."
"Oh, lady, I have somewhat to tell you. Be on your guard, Start
not! What I would say is of the utmost consequence, and demands the
utmost prudence. Ah, God, that there should live men so cruel!
Lady, your life is in danger."
The maiden started back; the colour fled from her cheeks.
"Do you wish to behold your assassin? You shall not die, but if you
value your life, be silent."
Rosabella knew not what to think; the presence of the old man
terrified her.
"Fear nothing, lady, fear nothing; you have nothing to fear, while I
am with you. Before you quit this arbour you shall see the assassin
expire at your feet."
Rosabella made a movement as if she would have fled; but suddenly
the person who sat beside her was no longer an infirm old man. He
who a minute before had scarcely strength to mutter out a few
sentences, and reclined against the arbour trembling like an aspen,
sprang up with the force of a giant, and drew her back with one arm.
"For the love of heaven!" she cried, "release me. Let me fly!"
"Lady, fear nothing; I protect you." This said, Abellino placed a
whistle at his lips, and blew it shrilly.