"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.