He had carefully abstained from alluding to Zorzi's lameness, lest the mere mention of it should excite some compassion in his hearer.

He had in fact done everything to assure the success of his scheme, except the one thing which was the most necessary of all.

He had allowed himself to speak of it in the hearing of the gondolier who hated him, and who lost no time in making use of the information.
It was nearly supper-time when he deposited Giovanni at the steps of the house and took the gondola round to the narrow canal in which the boats lay, and which was under Nella's window.

The shutters were wide open, and there was a light within.

He called the serving-woman by name, and she looked out, and asked what he wanted.