The lady's brow flushed.
The maid said, in an awe-struck whisper: “Altezza, the man is here.”
The lady bade her admit him, and snatched up a little black mask and put it on; and in a moment her colour was gone, and the contrast between her black mask and her marble cheeks was strange and fearful.
A man entered bowing and scraping. It was such a figure as crowds seem made of; short hair, roundish head, plain, but decent clothes; features neither comely not forbidding. Nothing to remark in him but a singularly restless eye.
After a profusion of bows he stood opposite the lady, and awaited her pleasure.
“They have told you for what you are wanted?”
“Yes, Signora.”
“Did those who spoke to you agree as to what you are to receive?”
“Yes, Signora. 'Tis the full price; and purchases the greater vendetta: unless of your benevolence you choose to content yourself with the lesser.”
“I understand you not,” said the lady.