Laura shivered, became deadly pale, and could scarcely gather courage to say, "He was refused entrance?"
"Yes, the porter told him that the marchioness was in bad health, and received no visitors."
"That was well. Go, Victorine, and tell the servants to convey neither message nor card of Prince Eugene of Savoy to me. I will not receive him. Go, go quickly, and then—"
"And then?" said Victorine, coaxingly.
Laura was silent for a while; then, putting her arms around Victorine's neck, she drew the young girl's head upon her bosom. "Try to find out where Prince Eugene is staying, and go to him. Say that you come from the Marchioness Bonaletta, and you will be admitted to his presence. Now tell him word for word what I shall say to you. 'To-morrow the Marchioness Bonaletta will attend the regatta. Her gondola will be closed, but whosoever wishes to recognize it can see her as she descends the stair and enters it. Let the gondola be closely followed, and when a hand holding a nosegay of roses is seen outside the curtain, let the gondoliers be instructed to come as close as possible to the hand, so that the two gondolas collide. Then—let the prince await me.' Do you hear, Victorine?"
"Yes, dear mistress, I hear, and will report your words faithfully."
"Tell him that Venice is alive with spies and bravi, and oh! bid him be careful how he exposes himself to danger. Now go! and may Heaven bless you for your fidelity to a wretched and betrayed woman!"
Victorine withdrew. But before leaving the palace, she betook herself to the cabinet of the marquis, where they had an interview of some length. No sooner was she dismissed, than she retreated to her own room, drew out a purse of gold from her bosom, chinked its contents, emptied them out on the table, and counted them with rapture.
"Ten ducats! Ten ducats for each intercepted message," said she. "I shall soon he rich enough to leave this abominable marsh of a Venice, and return to my dear Paris!"
Having locked up her gold, and tied the key of her chest around her neck, she directed her steps to the hotel of Prince Eugene.