The young mistress of the palace summoned a menial, and bade him do honor to her confessor, by seeing him to his gondola.

She then moved to the open balcony.

A long pause succeeded; it was such a silence, breathing, thoughtful, and luxurious with the repose of Italy, as suited the city and the hour.

Suddenly Violetta receded from the open window, and withdrew a step, in alarm.
"Is there a boat beneath ?" demanded her companion, whose glance was unavoidably attracted to the movement.
"The water was never more quiet.

But thou hearest those strains of the hautboys ?" "Are they so rare on the canals, that they drive thee from the balcony ?" "There are cavaliers beneath the windows of the Mentoni palace; doubtless they compliment our friend Olivia." "Even that gallantry is common.