“This is obviously true, and little that my influence can do towards effecting the object, shall be wanting.  And now, may I entreat of your friendship, advice as to the manner of further urging my own long-neglected claims?”

“You will do well, Don Camillo, to remind the senators of your presence, by frequent observance of the courtesies due to their rank and yours.”

“This do I never neglect, as seemly both in my station and my object.”

“The judges should not be forgotten, young man, for it is wise to remember that justice hath ever an ear for solicitation.”

“None can be more assiduous in the duty, nor is it common to see a suppliant so mindful of those whom he troubleth, by more substantial proofs of respect.”

“But chiefly should we be particular to earn the senate’s esteem.  No act of service to the state is overlooked by that body, and the smallest good deed finds its way into the recesses of the two councils.”

“Would I could have communication with those reverend fathers!  I think the justice of my claim would speedily work out its own right.”

“That were impossible!” gravely returned the senator.  “Those august bodies are secret, that their majesty may not be tarnished by communication with vulgar interests.  They rule like the unseen influence of mind over matter, and form, as it were, the soul of the state, whose seat, like that of reason, remains a problem exceeding human penetration.”

“I express the desire rather as a wish than with any hope of its being granted,” returned the Duke of St. Agata, resuming his cloak and mask, neither of which had been entirely laid aside.  “Adieu, noble Signore; I shall not cease to move the Castilian with frequent advice, and, in return, I commit my affair to the justice of the patricians, and your own good friendship.”

Signor Gradenigo bowed his guest through all the rooms of the long suite but the last, where he committed him to the care of the groom of his chambers.

“The youth must be stirred to greater industry in this matter, by clogging the wheels of the law.  He that would ask favors of St. Mark must first earn them, by showing zealous dispositions in his behalf.”

Such were the reflections of the Signor Gradenigo, as he slowly returned towards his closet, after a ceremonious leave-taking with his guest, in the outer apartment.  Closing the door, he commenced pacing the small apartment with the step and eye of a man who again mused with some anxiety.  After a minute of profound stillness, a door, concealed by the hangings of the room, was cautiously opened, and the face of still another visitor appeared.

“Enter!” said the senator, betraying no surprise at the apparition; “the hour is past, and I wait for thee.”

The flowing dress, the grey and venerable beard, the noble outline of features, the quick, greedy, and suspicious eye, with an expression of countenance that was, perhaps, equally marked by worldly sagacity, and feelings often rudely rebuked, proclaimed a Hebrew of the Rialto.