For nearly an hour this exercise, or nervous sympathy of the body with a mind that was possibly overworked, continued without any interruption from without.
Then came a gentle tap at the door, and, at the usual bidding, one entered, closely masked like him who had departed, as was so much the usage of that city in the age of which we write.

A glance at the figure of his guest seemed to apprise the senator of his character, for the reception, while it was distinguished by the quaint courtesy of the age, was that of one expected.
"I am honored in the visit of Don Camillo Monforte," said the host, while the individual named laid aside his cloak and silken visor; "though the lateness of the hour had given me reason to apprehend that some casualty had interfered between me and the pleasure." "A thousand excuses, noble senator, but the coolness of the canals, and the gaiety of the square, together with some apprehension of intruding prematurely on time so precious, has, I fear, kept me out of season.

But I trust to the known goodness of the Signor Gradenigo for my apology." "The punctuality of the great lords of Lower Italy is not their greatest merit," the Signor Gradenigo drily answered.

"The young esteem life so endless, that they take little heed of the minutes that escape them; while we, whom age begins to menace, think chiefly of repairing the omissions of youth.

In this manner, Signor Duca, does man sin and repent daily, until the opportunities of doing either are imperceptibly lost.
But we will not be more prodigal of the moments than there is need--are we to hope for better views of the Spaniard ?" "I have neglected little that can move the mind of a reasonable man, and I have, in particular, laid before him the advantage of conciliating the senate's esteem." "Therein have you done wisely, Signore, both as respects his interests and your own.