He was known, at a glance, for a public and responsible agent of the government, who was often charged with the execution of secret and delicate duties.

Donna Violetta advanced to meet him, in respect to his employers, and with the return of that self-possession which long practice interweaves with the habits of the great.
"I am honored by this care of my dreaded and illustrious guardians," she said, making an acknowledgment for the low reverence with which the official saluted the richest ward of Venice.

"To what circumstance do I owe this visit ?" The officer gazed an instant about him, with an habitual and suspicious caution, and then repeating his salutations, he answered.
"Lady," he said, "I am commanded to seek an interview with the daughter of the state, the heiress of the illustrious house of Tiepolo, with the Donna Florinda Mercato, her female companion, with the Father Anselmo, her commissioned confessor, and with any other who enjoy the pleasure of her society and the honor of her confidence." "Those you seek are here; I am Violetta Tiepolo; to this lady am I indebted for a mother's care, and this reverend Carmelite is my spiritual counsellor.

Shall I summon my household ?" "It is unnecessary.

My errand is rather of private than of public concern.