doubted much whether this adventure would be at all relished by her
destined bridegroom, the Prince of Monaldeschi, a Neapolitan of the
first rank, possessed of immense wealth and extensive influence.
The Doge had for some time been secretly engaged in negotiating a
match between his niece and this powerful nobleman, who was soon
expected to make his appearance at Venice. The motive of his
journey, in spite of all the Doge's precautions, had been divulged,
and it was no longer a secret to any but Rosabella, who had never
seen the prince, and could not imagine why his expected visit should
excite such general curiosity.

Thus far the story had been told much to Rosabella's credit; but at
length the women began to envy her for her share in the adventure.
The kiss which she had received from the bravo afforded them an
excellent opportunity for throwing out a few malicious insinuations.
"She received a great service," said one, "and there's no saying how
far the fair Rosabella in the warmth of gratitude may have been
carried in rewarding her preserver." "Very true," observed another,
"and for my part, I think it not very likely that the fellow, being
alone with a pretty girl, whose life he had just saved, should have
gone away contented with a single kiss." "Come, come," interrupted
a third, "do not let us judge uncharitably; the fact may be exactly
as the lady relates it, though I MUST say, that gentlemen of
Abellino's profession are not usually so pretty-behaved, and that
this is the first time I ever heard of a bravo in the Platonics."

In short, Rosabella and the horrible Abellino furnished the indolent
and gossiping Venetians with conversation so long, that at length
the Doge's niece was universally known by the honourable appellation
of the "Bravo's Bride."