* * * * *

There was a brilliant masquerade that evening at the palazzo of Count
Giulio Colonna. Invitations had been issued to all the world, and all
the world was present. The finest music, the richest wines, the most
splendid decorations were lavished on the occasion. Perhaps, among
that brilliant company, there was more than one plebeian, who, under
cover of the masque, and employing the license common at these
saturnalia, had intruded himself unbidden.

Old Beppo, the gondolier, was in attendance at the vestibule of the
palace, feasting his avaricious eyes on the glimpses of wealth and
luxury he noted within doors, when a gentleman in rich costume, and
wearing a mask, beckoned him to one side, and desired a moment's
interview.

"Do you know me?" was the first question asked by the stranger.

"No, signor," replied the old gondolier.

"Do you know these gentlemen?" asked the mask, slipping a couple of
gold pieces into the miser's hand.

"Perfectly," replied the boatman, grinning. "What are your lordship's
commands?"

"Is your gondola in waiting?"

"Yes, signor. It lies below, moored to the landing."