"Time flies!" cried Flodoardo; "no more delay, then. In four-and-
twenty hours will I produce in this very palace this dreaded bravo,
Abellino."
Andreas shook his head. "Young man," said he, "be less confident in
your promises; I shall have more faith in your performance."
Flodoardo (serious and firm).--Let things terminate as they may,
either I will keep my word, or never again will cross the threshold
of your palace. I have discovered some traces of the miscreant, and
I trust that I shall amuse you to-morrow, at this time and in this
place, with the representation of a comedy; but should it prove a
tragedy instead, God's will be done.
Andreas.--Remember that too much haste is dangerous; rashness will
destroy even the frail hopes of success which you may reasonably
indulge at present.
Flodoardo.--Rashness, my lord? He who has lived as I have lived,
and suffered what I have suffered, must have been long since cured
of rashness.
Rosabella (taking his hand).--Yet be not too confident of your own
strength, I beseech you! Dear Flodoardo, my uncle loves you, and
his advice is wise! Beware of Abellino's dagger!
Flodoardo.--The best way to escape his dagger is not to allow him
time to use it: within four-and-twenty hours must the deed be done,
or never. Now, then, illustrious Prince, I take my leave of you.
To-morrow I doubt not to convince you that nothing is too much for
love to venture.
Andreas.--Right; to venture: but to achieve?
Flodoardo.--Ah, that must depend--He paused suddenly again his eyes
were fastened eagerly on those of Rosabella, and it was evident that
with every moment his uneasiness acquired fresh strength. He
resumed his discourse to Andreas, with a movement of impatience.
"Noble Andreas," said he, "do not make me dispirited; rather let me
try whether I cannot inspire you with more confidence of my success.
I must first request you to order a splendid entertainment to be
prepared. At this hour in the afternoon of to-morrow let me find
all the principal persons in Venice, both men and women, assembled
in this chamber; for should my hopes be realised, I would willingly
have spectators of my triumph. Particularly let the venerable
members of the College of Ten he invited, in order that they may at
last he brought face to face with this terrible Abellino, against
whom they have so long been engaged in fruitless warfare."
Andreas (after eyeing him some time with a look of mingled surprise
and uncertainty).--They shall be present.