As neither of his present visitors was a stranger beneath the roof of the Signor Gradenigo—­for so the proprietor of the palace was called—­they ascended its massive stairs, without pausing to consider any of those novelties of construction that would attract the eye of one unaccustomed to such a dwelling.  The rank and the known consequence of the Donna Violetta assured her of a ready reception; and while she was ushered to the suite of rooms above, by a crowd of bowing menials, one had gone, with becoming speed, to announce her approach to his master.  When in the ante-chamber, however, the ward stopped, declining to proceed any further, in deference to the convenience and privacy of her guardian.  The delay was short; for no sooner was the old senator apprised of her presence, than he hastened from his closet to do her honor, with a zeal that did credit to his fitness for the trust he filled.  The countenance of the old patrician—­a face in which thought and care had drawn as many lines as time—­lighted with unequivocal satisfaction as he pressed forward to receive his beautiful ward.  To her half-uttered apologies for the intrusion, he would not listen; but as he led her within, he gallantly professed his pleasure at being honored with her visits even at moments that, to her scrupulous delicacy, might appear the most ill-timed.

“Thou canst never come amiss, child as thou art of my ancient friend, and the especial care of the state!” he added.  “The gates of the Gradenigo palace would open of themselves, at the latest period of the night, to receive such a guest.  Besides, the hour is most suited to the convenience of one of thy quality who would breathe the fresh evening air on the canals.  Were I to limit thee to hours and minutes, some truant wish of the moment—­some innocent caprice of thy sex and years, might go ungratified.  Ah!  Donna Florinda, we may well pray that all our affection—­not to call it weakness—­for this persuasive girl, shall not in the end lead to her own disadvantage!”

“For the indulgence of both, I am grateful,” returned Violetta; “I only fear to urge my little requests at moments when your precious time is more worthily occupied in behalf of the state.”

“Thou overratest my consequence.  I sometimes visit the Council of Three Hundred; but my years and infirmities preclude me now from serving the Republic as I could wish Praise be to St. Mark, our patron! its affairs are not unprosperous for our declining fortunes.  We have dealt bravely with the infidel of late; the treaty with the Emperor is not to our wrong; and the anger of the church, for the late seeming breach of confidence on our part, has been diverted.  We owe something in the latter affair to a young Neapolitan, who sojourns here at Venice, and who is not without interest at the Holy See, by reason of his uncle, the Cardinal Secretary.  Much good is done by the influence of friends properly employed.  ’Tis the secret of our success in the actual condition of Venice; for that which power cannot achieve must be trusted to favor and a wise moderation.”