"And the quiet, and the lights—as ordered?"
"Eccellenza, all will be done."
"Thou hast placed seats for six—we shall be six."
"Signore, there are six arm-chairs."
"'Tis well: when the first of my friends arrive, I will join them."
"Eccellenza, there are already two cavaliers in masks within."
The Signor Soranzo started, again consulted his watch, and went hastily towards a distant and very silent part of the palace. He reached a small door unattended, and closing it, found himself at once in the presence of those who evidently awaited his appearance.
"A thousand pardons, Signori," cried the master of the house; "this is novel duty to me, at least—I know not what may be your honorable experience—and the time stole upon me unmarked. I pray for grace, Messires; future diligence shall repair the present neglect."
Both the visitors were older men than their host, and it was quite evident by their hardened visages they were of much longer practice in the world. His excuses were received with courtesy, and, for a little time, the discourse was entirely of usage and convention.
"We are in secret here, Signore?" asked one of the guests, after some little time had been wasted in this manner.