“The secret trade is honored in the services of the noble Duke of St. Agata!”

“I am not here to trifle, girl, as thou wilt see in the end.  Thou hast thy choice before thee, frank confession or my just anger.”

Don Camillo spoke calmly, but in a manner that plainly showed Annina she had to deal with a resolute man.

“What confession would your eccellenza have from the daughter of a poor wine-seller?” she asked, her voice trembling in spite of herself.

“The truth—­and remember that this time we do not part until I am satisfied.  The Venetian police and I are now fairly at issue, and thou art the first fruits of my plan.”

“Signor Duca, this is a bold step to take in the heart of the canals!”

“The consequences be mine.  Thy interest will teach thee to confess.”

“I shall make no great merit, Signore, of doing that which is forced upon me.  As it is your pleasure to know the little I can tell you, I am happy to be permitted to relate it.”

“Speak then; for time presses.”

“Signore, I shall not pretend to deny you have been ill-treated.  Capperi! how ill has the council treated you!  A noble cavalier, of a strange country, who, the meanest gossip in Venice knows, has a just right to the honors of the Senate, to be so treated is a disgrace to the Republic!  I do not wonder that your eccellenza is out of humor with them.  Blessed St. Mark himself would lose his patience to be thus treated!”

“A truce with this, girl, and to your facts.”

“My facts, Signor Duca, are a thousand times clearer than the sun, and they are all at your eccellenza’s service.  I am sure I wish I had more of them, since they give you pleasure.”

“Enough of this profession.  Speak to the facts themselves.”

Annina, who in the manner of most of her class in Italy, that had been exposed to the intrigues of the towns, had been lavish of her words, now found means to cast a glance at the water, when she saw that the boat had already quitted the canals, and was rowing easily out upon the Lagunes.  Perceiving how completely she was in the power of Don Camillo, she began to feel the necessity of being more explicit.

“Your eccellenza has probably suspected that the council found means to be acquainted with your intention to fly from the city with Donna Violetta?”

“All that is known to me.”

“Why they chose me to be the servitor of the noble lady is beyond my powers to discover.  Our Lady of Loretto!  I am not the person to be sent for, when the state wishes to part two lovers!”

“I have borne with thee, Annina, because I would let the gondola get beyond the limits of the city; but now thou must throw aside thy subterfuge, and speak plainly.  Where didst thou leave my wife?”

“Does your eccellenza then think the state will admit the marriage to be legal?”

“Girl, answer, or I will find means to make thee.  Where didst thou leave my wife?”