Don Camillo Monforte, the cavalier to whom thou art indebted for thy life, and of whom thou hast so lately spoken with gratitude, has far more cause to complain of these hard decrees, than thou mayest have, in any reason." "'Twould make my griefs still heavier, did I know that one who has shown so much courage in my behalf, has equal reason to feel their justice," returned Violetta, quickly.

"What is the affair that, so fortunately for me, hath brought the Lord of Sant' Agata to Venice, if a grateful girl may, without indiscretion, inquire ?" "Thy interest in his behalf is both natural and commendable," answered the Carmelite, with a simplicity which did more credit to his cowl than to his observation.

"He is young, and doubtless he is tempted by the gifts of fortune and the passions of his years to divers acts of weakness.

Remember him, daughter, in thy prayers, that part of the debt of gratitude may be repaid.

His worldly interest here is one of general notoriety, and I can ascribe thy ignorance of it only to a retired manner of life." "My charge hath other matters to occupy her thoughts than the concerns of a young stranger, who cometh to Venice for affairs," mildly observed Donna Florinda, "But if I am to remember him in my prayers, Father, it might enlighten my petition to know in what the young noble is most wanting." "I would have thee remember his spiritual necessities only.