"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 connected with the married couple. He was not kept long in suspense. His patron of the preceding evening soon made his appearance, but masked as before.
"Beppo!" said the stranger, "you rendered me an inestimable service last night."