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Instantly a sudden silence reigned through the whole asse courtiers broke off their love-speeches abruptly, and the

ladies stopped in their criticisms upon the last new fashions The

statesazed on each

other in silence and anxiety

The Doge advanced slowly into the midst of the assembly Every eye

was fixed upon him The hearts of the conspirators beat painfully

"Be not surprised, my friends," said Andreas, "at these unusual

precautions; they relate to nothing which need interfere with the

pleasures of this society You have all heard but too much of the

bravo Abellino, the murderer of the Procurator Conari, and of my

faithful counsellors Manfrone and Louest the Prince of Monaldeschi has but lately fallen a

victim This miscreant, the object of aversion to every honestis sacred or venerable, and who has

hitherto set at defiance the whole vengeance of the Republic--before

another hour expires, perhaps this outcast of hell may stand before

you in this very saloon"

All (astonished)--Abellino? What, the bravo Abellino?

Gonzaga--Of his own accord!

Andreas--No, not of his own accord, in truth But Flodoardo of

Florence has undertaken to render this important service to the