"Never will I purchase life at such a price," was the reply of the prince.
"My life is accursed," said Antonio; "my death will be triumphant. My lord, if you knew how I longed for death, you would not refuse me the blessing I covet. My Catherina ere this awaits me in the other world; I long to rejoin her—I long to obtain the pardon of my murdered father."
Eugene's face was buried in his hands, and he was weeping. "I cannot, I cannot," gasped he.
"You would drive your Laura to despair, then? You would go to your grave without renown?"
"No; I would live. Come: we can overpower the porter—if nothing less will save us, we can kill him."
"Before he dies he will call for help, and help will be near. But one of us can escape; and, by my eternal salvation, I swear that I will not be that one! Away with you! Away! In a moment it will he too late! Do you not hear me? Whether you go or stay, I never will leave this place again!"
Eugene staggered against the wall, and sighed heavily. Antonio knelt at his feet. At last he murmured almost inaudibly, "I will go."
Antonio sprang from his knees, threw his cloak around the prince, and, with eager, trembling hands, adjusted his mask.
"Thank God!" said he, "we are of the same size and build. There is not the least danger of recognition. The porter will suspect nothing. The pass word is, 'One of two.' The gondola is moored in the place where we left it, and your friends are at the landing, awaiting you now. The marchioness knows that you are to leave Venice to-night, God in heaven bless you. And now away!"
"Antonio," replied Eugene, greatly affected, "with my latest breath
I will bless and thank you."