He threaded the throng by which it was crowded, with a dexterity that resembled the windings of an eel among the weeds of the Lagunes.

To the numerous greetings of his fellows, he replied only by nods; nor did he once arrest his footsteps, until they had led him through the door of a low and dark dwelling that stood in a quarter of the place which was inhabited by people of an inferior condition.

Groping his way among casks, cordage, and rubbish of all descriptions, the gondolier succeeded in finding an inner and retired door that opened into a small room, whose only light came from a species of well that descended between the walls of the adjacent houses and that in which he was.
"Blessed St.Anne! Is it thou, Gino Monaldi!" exclaimed a smart Venetian grisette, whose tone and manner betrayed as much of coquetry as of surprise.

"On foot, and by the secret door! Is this an hour to come on any of thy errands ?" "Truly, Annina, it is not the season for affairs with thy father, and it is something early for a visit to thee.

But there is less time for words than for action, just now.