"You know, my dear Olivo, I must consider the wishes of the Venetian senators...." "How have they earned the right to any such consideration from you ?" broke in Olivo.

"Let them wait.

Stay here for another two days at least; or, better still, for a week." Casanova slowly shook his head.

He had seized Teresina's hands, and held her prisoner between his knees.

She drew herself gently away, with a smile no longer that of a child.