"Carlo," said the soft voice of Gessina; "thou can'st come forth, for we have no further fear of visits."
The Bravo appeared, but with a paleness deeper than common on his cheek. He looked mournfully at the gentle and affectionate being who awaited his return, and when he struggled to answer her ingenuous smile, the abortive effort gave his features an expression of ghastliness.
"Annina has wearied thee with her idle discourse of the regatta, and of murders on the canals. Thou wilt not judge her harshly, for the manner in which she spoke of Giuseppe, who may deserve this, and more. But I know thy impatience, and I will not increase thy weariness."
"Hold, Gessina—this girl is thy cousin?"
"Have I not told thee so? Our mothers are sisters."
"And she is here often?"
"Not as often as she could wish, I am certain, for her aunt has not quitted her room for many, many months."
"Thou art an excellent daughter, kind Gessina, and would make all others as virtuous as thyself. And thou hast been to return these visits?"
"Never. My father forbids it, for they are dealers in wines, and entertain the gondoliers in revelry. But Annina is blameless for the trade of her parents."
"No doubt—and that package? it hath been long in thy keeping."