"'Tis well; hast thou any scruples about aiding in a love intrigue?"

"None in the world, signor."

"Then I'll make a confidant of you."

"I will be all secrecy, signor."

"Briefly then, gondolier," said the mask, "I am in love with a very
charming young person."

"Well."

"Well--and this young person loves me in return."

"Good; and you are going to marry her."

"Not so fast, gondolier. She has an old guardian, who, at the age of
sixty, or more, has been absurd enough--only think of it--to propose
to marry her himself."

"The absurd old fool!" cried Beppo, not without some twinges, for he
thought of his own projects with regard to Zanetta.

"Now, then," said the mask, "I have resolved to run away with her
to-night. I have the opportunity--for she is here in the Palazzo
Colonna. Now will and can you aid me? I will recompense you
liberally."