Annina," he continued, approaching the door, "thy noble mistress is impatient to see thee." As he spoke, the daughter of the wine-seller appeared.

"Thou hast served before this, Annina?"

I commit all to thy care, Annina, since thou knowest the pleasure of my guardiansthose without will furnish the means.

" Don Camillo was scarce hid from view when Annina reappeared.

" Annina reluctantly withdrew, for she was far too much practised in wiles not to distrust this unexpected compliance with the will of the council, or not to perceive that she was admitted with displeasure to the discharge of her new duties.

Don Camillo had just time to conceal his person within the drapery of a window, before the door opened and Annina entered.

" While speaking, the noble touched the handle of his sword significantly with a finger, and cast a look at the half petrified Annina, which effectually controlled the exclamation that was about to escape her.

The eye of the Carmelite kindled as he proceeded with the office, however; and long ere he had done, he had obtained such a command over the feelings of even Annina as to hold her mercenary spirit in awe.

Donna Florinda and the half-breathless Violetta followed; Don Camillo drew the arm of Annina under his own, and in a low voice bid her, at her peril, refuse to obey.

Donna Florinda followed, and Annina was about to imitate her example, when she was arrested by the arm of Don Camillo.

While he was yet in too much astonishment to struggle, Annina, obedient to a signal, darted past him and leaped into the boat.

" "Nay, now thou judgest wrong," returned the female, hastily"I had no other here but my cousin Annina.

" "But it was only Anninamy cousin Annina, whom thou hast never seenand I have no cousins Pietro, and Michele, and Roberto.

Annina has a brother, but he never comes hither.

Few children of sisters see each other so seldom as Annina and I!"

"I fear Annina will return, or I would go with thee at once.

Thou can'st go into the inner room as usual, when she comes, and listen to her idle discourse, if thou wilt; orbut we have not timefor Annina comes seldom, and I know not why, but she seems to love a sick room little, as she never stays many minutes with her aunt.

" "I would I were not, Annina; for I am young to have this trust, with this affliction.

Thou knowest Luigi?" "I scarce know any in Venice, Annina; for the long illness of my mother, and this unhappy office of my father, keep me within when others are on the canals.

'Tis said, too," continued Annina, looking about her with habitual caution, "that one, who may scarce be named in Venice, had the boldness to appear in that regatta masked; and yet the fisherman won!

" "Addio, Annina; thou knowest I would come gladly, but that I scarce quit the side of my poor mother.

"Annina has wearied thee with her idle discourse of the regatta, and of murders on the canals.

But Annina is blameless for the trade of her parents.

" "A month; Annina left it at her last visit, for she was hurried to cross to the Lido.

Nay, Annina is thoughtless, and she might be less worldly; but she hath, like all of us, a holy aversion to sin.