As the damsel is instructed in all that is necessary, I will intrude no longer, but take my leave, recommending that you improve the hours, which are now few, between this and the rising sun, that you may profit by the morning breeze in quitting the city." The officer glanced another look around the room, more, however, through habitual caution than any other reason, bowed, and departed.
A profound and sorrowful silence succeeded.

Then the apprehension that Don Camillo might mistake their situation and appear, flashed upon the mind of Violetta, and she hastened to apprise him of the danger, by speaking to the new attendant.
"Thou hast served before this, Annina ?" she asked, so loud as to permit the words to be heard in the oratory.
"Never a lady so beautiful and illustrious, Signora.

But I hope to make myself agreeable to one that I hear is kind to all around her." "Thou art not new to the flattery of thy class; go then, and acquaint my ancient attendants with this sudden resolution, that I may not disappoint the council by tardiness.

I commit all to thy care, Annina, since thou knowest the pleasure of my guardians--those without will furnish the means." The girl lingered, and her watchful observers noted suspicion and hesitation in her reluctant manner of compliance.

She obeyed, however, leaving the room with the domestic Donna Violetta summoned from the antechamber.