At that instant a figure glided into the court from the side of the quay, and walked swiftly towards its centre.

The heart of Gino beat violently, but he mustered resolution to meet the stranger.

As they drew near each other, it became evident, by the light of the moon, which penetrated even to that gloomy spot, that the latter was also masked.
"San Teodoro and San Marco have you in mind!" commenced the gondolier.
"If I mistake not, you are the man I am sent to meet." The stranger started, and first manifesting an intention to pass on quickly, he suddenly arrested the movement to reply.
"This may be so or not.

Unmask, that I may judge by thy countenance if what thou sayest be true." "By your good leave, most worthy and honorable Signore, and if it be equally agreeable to you and my master, I would choose to keep off the evening air by this bit of pasteboard and silk." "Here are none to betray thee, wert thou naked as at thy birth.

Unless certain of thy character, in what manner may I confide in thy honesty ?" "I have no distrust of the virtues of an undisguised face, Signore, and therefore do I invite you, yourself, to exhibit what nature has done for you in the way of features, that I, who am to make the confidence, be sure it be to the right person." "This is well, and gives assurance of thy prudence.