From time to time Arisa went and listened at the hole in the floor, and when she heard the guests beginning to take their leave she hid Aristarchi in the embrasure of a disused window that was concealed by a tapestry, and she went into the larger room and lay down among the cushions by the balcony.

When Contarini came, a few minutes later, she seemed to have fallen asleep like a child, weary of waiting for him.
So far both she and Aristarchi looked upon Zorzi, who did not know of their existence, with a friendly eye, but their knowledge of his love for Marietta was in reality one more danger in his path.

If at any future moment he seemed about to endanger the success of their plans, the strong Greek would soon find an opportunity of sending him to another world, as he had sent many another innocent enemy before.

They themselves were safe enough for the present, and it was not likely that they would commit any indiscretion that might endanger their future flight.

They had long ago determined what to do if Contarini should accidentally find Aristarchi in the house.