I sicken, Signori, of my esteem for men, as I dive deeper into their tempers and desires, and often wish myself a dog, as I study their propensities.

" "Youth is the season of indiscretion, as ye know, Signori," returned the father, breathing more freely"and as none become old that have not been young, I have little need to awaken your recollection of its weaknesses.

" "I protest against these false recollections," rejoined the accused, a withered smile lighting his faded countenance; "we have been young, Signori, but among us all, I never knew a Venetian of more general fashion and of better report, especially with the dames of France, than he who has just spoken.

A beautiful court and a pleasant capital were those of France in our day, Signori.

"Signori," he said, fumbling in a bundle of papers, "we must take up the matter of the fishermanbut we will first inquire into the circumstance of the signet left the past night in the lion's mouth.

Shall we now see his highness, Signori?" "You forget the fisherman," gravely observed the Signor Gradenigo.

With one soldier struggling desperately on his track, the fugitive sped towards the Duomo, to seek refuge in that sanctuary, but in mounting the steps his foot slipped, he was precipitated towards a group of signori who stood there with their backs to him, and clutched one to save himself.

"You were near losing the last bark that sails for the Abbaye des Vignerons, Signori," said the Genevese, recognizing the country of the strangers at a glance, "if, as I judge from your direction and haste, these festivities are in your minds.

It is unreasonable to suppose Signori of their rank would journey like vagabonds, with papers to be suspected.

"And now, illustrissimi signori," continued the wily juggler, after having drawn a burst of applause by one of his happiest hits in a sleight-of-hand exhibition, "I come to the most imposing and the most mysterious part of my knowledgethat of looking into the future, and of foretelling events.

Signori, the true seat of a man's digestion lies in the palm of his hand; if that is free to give and to receive, he will never have a costive conscience, for of all damnable inconveniences that afflict mortals, that of a conscience that will neither give up nor take is the heaviest curse.

"But what matters it, Signori, to be speaking of the qualities of men!

" "Now, Signori, you perceive that this is but a secondary creature in the scale of animals.

"Signori, we must be bold and prompt, or we shall be overtaken by the tempest unprepared.

" "Come si chiama la vostra barca, Signori Inglesi?" repeated he who hailed.

There is too much truth in his account of our politics; but, Signori," rising from his chair, "I now crave your permission to look at your town, and to return to my vessel.

" "But, Signor Vice-governatore," put in 'Maso, "these people have treated the holy father and his states in a way that one would not treat an Infidel or a Turk!" "Aye, that is it, Signori," observed Benedetta"a poor woman cannot go to mass without having her mind disturbed by the thoughts of the wrongs done the head of the church.

We keep wine at both prices, and," glancing toward the table of Andrea Barrofaldi, "usually serve the first to signori of rank and distinction.

exclaimed Raoul, starting a little in spite of his assumed indifference of manner; "why, yes, I believe Bolt was born in AmericaEnglish America, you know, Signori, and that is much the same thing as having been born in England herself.

" "Signor Vice-governatore, do not trouble yourself to dwell on my poor services," answered Raoul, scarce caring to conceal the smile that struggled about his handsome mouth; "think rather of those of these gallant signori, who greatly regret that an opportunity for gaining distinction has been lost.

"Several of them, Signor Vice-governatore," answered Raoul, without a moment's hesitation or the smallest remorse; though he had no idea whatever who Milton was; "Milton, Shakespeare, Cicero, and all our great writers, often mention Signori of this family.

"Signori," he shouted, "I will lead the rascally republican away from your port in chase; that will be the most effectual mode of doing you a service.

" "Quite true, Signori," answered Andrea, with gentle benevolence, "but with dispositions like yours, Sir Smees, it is not so very difficult to imitate what we admire.

" "Ah! we thought as much, Signori; the scoundrel has deceived you, as he has done a hundred before you, and will do a hundred again unless we catch him to-night.

"It is impossible, Signori," answered the lieutenant; "we know every English cruiser in these seas, by name and description at least, and most of them by sight.