'Whither, signor?' said the gondolier.
'To the Grand Canal,' he replied.
Over the moonlit wave the gondola swiftly skimmed! The scene was a
marvellous contrast to the one which the stranger had just quitted;
but it brought no serenity to his careworn countenance, though his eye
for a moment kindled as he looked upon the moon, that was sailing in
the cloudless heaven with a single star by her side.
They had soon entered the Grand Canal, and the gondolier looked to his
employer for instructions. 'Row opposite to the Manfrini palace,' said
the stranger, 'and rest upon your oar.'
The blinds of the great window of the palace were withdrawn.
Distinctly might be recognised a female figure bending over the
recumbent form of a girl. An hour passed away and still the gondola
was motionless, and still the silent stranger gazed on the inmates of
the palace. A servant now came forward and closed the curtain of the
chamber. The stranger sighed, and waving his hand to the gondolier,
bade him return to the Lagune.
CHAPTER X.
It is curious to recall our feelings at a moment when a great event
is impending over us, and we are utterly unconscious of its probable
occurrence. How often does it happen that a subject which almost
unceasingly engages our mind, is least thought of at the very instant
that the agitating suspense involved in its consideration is perhaps
about to be terminated for ever! The very morning after the mysterious
gondola had rested so long before the Manfrini Palace, Venetia rose
for the first time since the flight from Rovigo, refreshed by her
slumbers, and tranquil in her spirit.
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