“Whither?” demanded Jacopo, so quickly as to do credit to his assumed character.

“That is the point to learn, Signore.  Thy father is a sagacious senator, and is deep at times in the secrets of the State.  But judging from his uncertainty on this occasion, I think he is guided more by his calculations than by any assurance of his own knowledge.  Just Daniel!  I have seen the moments when I have suspected that the venerable patrician himself was a member of the Council of Three!”

“His house is ancient and his privileges well established—­why should he not?”

“I say naught against it, Signore.  It is a wise body, that doeth much good, and preventeth much harm.  None speak evil of the secret councils on the Rialto, where men are more given to gainful industry that to wild discussions of their rulers’ acts.  But, Signore, be he of this or that council, or merely of the Senate, a heedful hint has fallen from his lips of the danger we are in of losing—­”

“We!—­Hast thou thoughts of Donna Violetta, Hosea?”

“Leah and the law forbid!—­If the comely queen of Sheba herself were to tempt me, and a frail nature showed signs of weakness, I doubt that our rabbis would find reasons for teaching self-denial!  Besides, the daughter of Levi is no favorer of polygamy, nor any other of our sex’s privileges.  I spoke in pluralities, Signore, because the Rialto has some stake in this marriage as well as the house of Gradenigo.”

“I understand thee.  Thou hast fears for thy gold?”

“Had I been easily alarmed, Signor Giacomo, in that particular, I might not have parted with it so readily.  But, though the succession of thy illustrious father will be ample to meet any loan within my humble means, that of the late Signor Tiepolo will not weaken the security.”

“I admit thy sagacity, and feel the importance of thy warning.  But it seems to have no other object or warranty than thy own fears.”

“With certain obscure hints from your honored father, Signore?”

“Did he say more to the point?”

“He spoke in parables, young noble, but having an oriental ear his words were not uttered to the wind.  That the rich damsel is about to be conveyed from Venice am I certain, and for the benefit of the little stake I have myself in her movements, I would give the best turquoise in my shop to know whither.”

“Canst thou say with certainty, ’twill be this night?”

“Giving no pledge for redemption in the event of mistake, I am so sure, young cavalier, as to have many unquiet thoughts.”

“Enough—­I will look to my own interests and to thine.”

Jacopo waved his hand in adieu, and pursued his walk up the piazza.

“Had I looked more sharply to the latter, as became one accustomed to deal with the accursed race,” muttered the Hebrew, “it would be a matter of no concern to me if the girl married a Turk!”

“Hosea,” said a mask at his ear; “a word with thee in secret.”