"By my life, signora, I spoke but as I thought! my words concealed
no flattery."

"See, the Doge enters the saloon with Manfrone and Lomellino: he
will seek us among the dancers. Come, let us join them."

Flodoardo followed her in silence. The dance began. Heavens! how
lovely looked Rosabella, as she glided along to the sweet sounds of
music, conducted by Flodoardo. How handsome looked Flodoardo, as,
lighter than air, he flew down the dance, while his brilliant eyes
saw no object but Rosabella.

He was still without his mask, and bareheaded: but every eye
glanced away from the helmets and barettes, waving with plumes, and
sparkling with jewels, to gaze on Flodoardo's raven locks, as they
floated on the air in wild luxuriance. A murmur of admiration rose
from every corner of the saloon, but it rose unmarked by those who
were the objects of it. Neither Rosabella nor Flodoardo at that
moment formed a wish to be applauded, except by each other.



CHAPTER II: THE FLORENTINE STRANGER



Two evenings had elapsed since the Doge's entertainment. On the
second, Parozzi sat in his own apartment, with Memmo and Falieri.
Dimly burnt the lights; lowering and tempestuous were the skies
without; gloomy and fearful were the souls of the libertines within.