"Insane, is she?" said Eugene, with quivering lip, to Antonio.
"Pazza per amore," replied he, with a shrug. Then, coming closer to the prince, he added, "The marquis gives out that his wife is crazy, and, as nobody ever sees her, nobody is any the wiser."
"And you? What think you, Antonio?"
"I do not believe it, for I know the signora well."
"You know her?" said Eugene, touching Antonio on the shoulder.
"Yes. She it is who recommended me to take service with your highness, and to tell you that you might trust me."
"Oh, I do trust you, good Antonio. Did I not say that the scar on your face was your best recommendation?"
"Yes, excellenza; and I will not forget it."
"Can you explain to me the mystery of the scene we have just witnessed?"
"Yes, excellenza. The marchesa intended to leap into this gondola and fly with you from Venice; but, as she attempted to rise, the marquis showed her a dagger, and swore that if she moved hand or foot he would spring into your highness's boat and kill you."