Abaellino the Bravo of Venice Author:Heinrich Zschokke Purchase of this book includes free trial access to www.million-books.com where you can read more than a million books for free. This is an OCR edition with typos. Excerpt from book: CHAPTER VI. Rosabella, the Doge's lovely Niece. ' HARK, comrade,' said Matteo the next morning to Abaellino; ' to-day thou shalt make thy first step in our... more » profession.' ' To-day,' hoarsely murmured Abselli- no—' and on whom am I to try my skill I' ' Kay, to say truth, 'tis but a woman ; but one must not give too difficult a task to a new beginner. I will myself accompany you, and observe how you conduct yourself in this first trial.' ' Hum !' said Abaellino, and measured Matteo with his eyes from head to foot. ' To-day, about four o'clock, thou shalt follow me to Dolabella's gardens, which are situated on the south side of Venice; we must both be disguised, you understand. In these gardens are excellent baths ; and after using these, the Doge's niece, the lovely Rosabella of Corfu, tVequently walks without attendants. And then . .. you conceive me ?' ' And you will accompany me ?' ' I will be a spectator of your first adventure ; 'tis thus I deal by every one.' ' And how many inches deep must I plunge my dagger ?' ' To the hilt, boy, to the very hilt! Her death is required, and the payment will be princely; Rosabella in the grave, we are rich for life.' Every other point was soon adjusted. Noon was now past,—the clock in the neighboring church of the Benedictines struck four, and Matteo and Abaellino were already abroad. They arrived at the gardens of Dolabel- la, which that day were unusually crowded. Every shady avenue was thronged with people of both sexes; every arbour was occupied by the persons most distinguished in Venice ; in every corner sighed love-sick couples, as they waited for the wished approach of twilight; and on every side did strains of vocal and instrumental music pour their harmony on the enchanted car. Abaellino mingled ...« less