masked and veiled, but whose elastic step and graceful bearing seemed
to designate her as one moving in the highest circles. The young
lovers took their seats in the centre of the light craft, and drew the
curtains round them, while Beppo pushed off, and his vigorous oar soon
sent the shallop dancing over the waters of the lagoon. After a few
moments the motion ceased, and Beppo informed his patron that they had
arrived at their place of destination. After making the boat fast, the
gondolier landed, and entered the small chapel which stood on the
brink of the canal. In a few moments he returned, and informed the
masked cavalier that all was prepared. The gentleman then handed out
the lady, and both entered the chapel, Beppo keeping guard without, to
prevent or give notice of any intrusion.

The marriage ceremony was performed very rapidly by Father Dominic,
for he was just going to bed when the gondola arrived, and was duly
anxious to despatch his business, that he might consign his wearied
limbs to rest.

"Is it all over?" whispered Beppo, in the ear of the cavalier, as he
came out with his lady.

"All right," replied the mask, in the same tone of voice. "But one
thing perplexes me. I have no place that I can call my home, to-night.
The lady will be missed; my palace will be watched--I should incur the
risk of swords crossing and bloodshed, if I sought to take her
thither, to-night."

"If my house were not so very humble," said the gondolier,
hesitatingly.