"The very thing," said the mask, joyfully. "No matter how humble the
roof, provided that it shelter us. To-morrow we can arrange matters
for flight, or for remaining."

"Then get into the gondola, my lord, and I will row you thither in a
few minutes."

The party reëmbarked, and soon reached the gondolier's residence.
After fastening his craft, he unlocked his door; and striking a light,
conducted his distinguished guests up stairs. As he passed one of the
chamber doors, the old gondolier, addressing the masked lady as he
pointed to it, said,--

"You have made a moonlight flitting, to-night, signora, and I wish you
joy of your escape. But if you had been as safely kept as a precious
charge I have in this room, you would never have stood before the
altar to-night, with your noble bridegroom."

"You forget that 'love laughs at locksmiths,'" said the cavalier.

At the door of their apartments, the old man, before bidding them good
night, pausing, said,--

"Pardon me, signor, but I would fain know the name of the noble
cavalier I have had the honor of serving to-night."

"You shall know to-morrow," replied the mask. "_Buona notte_, Beppo.
Remember it's carnival time."

The next morning Beppo was up betimes, anxious to learn the mystery