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Alone, and in the most retired arbour, sat Rosabella of Corfu, the

fairest maid in Venice

Abellino drew near the arbour; he tottered, as he passed its

entrance, like one oppressed with sudden faintness, and attracted

Rosabella's attention

"Alas, alas!" cried he, "is there no one at hand ill take

coe's fair niece quitted the arbour hastily, and flew to give

assistance to the sufferer

"What ails you, ood father?" she inquired in a melodious voice,

and with a look of benevolent anxiety

Abellino pointed towards the arbour; Rosabella led him in, and

placed him on a seat of turf

"God reward you, lady," stammered Abellino, faintly He raised his

eyes; they met Rosabella's, and a blush crimsoned her pale cheeks

Rosabella stood in silence before the disguised assassin, and

trembled with tender concern for the old man's illness; and oh, that

expression of interest ever makes a lovely women look so much more

lovely! She bent her delicate form over the man as bribed to