HOW VERY EXTRAORDINARY ! 157 



^* I candidly inform you, that I have done all in my power to 

 dispel the absurdity, but without success. She had pined until 

 near death, and I found myself compelled to consent to an intro- 

 duction and marriage. Since she succeeded so far, she has 

 recovered her usual health, and you will be introduced to her 

 this evening." 



" My d-dear Signore, pardon the freedom, my most excellent 

 Excellenza, you are pleased to be merry." 



"I am serious, and, although I have prejudices against the 

 alliance, yet my niece's happiness is the primary consideration in 

 my breast. Partake, Biondetto, of this repast; my attendants 

 will afterwards conduct you to the tiring-room, whence you will 

 proceed to the fair Signora." 



Without awaiting a reply, the old gentleman left the room, 

 and Baptisto gave vent to his joy by springing nearly to the 

 ceiling. " How very extraordinary ! Fortunate Baptisto. Ob, 

 that my grandfather of Granada had lived until this blessed 

 night ! " Such were his exclamations, when several attendants 

 entered the apartment, and he began to do justice to the fare set 

 before him. 



" Ah ! " quoth the barber, smacking his lips, *' after all there 

 is nothing like your wine of Cyprus. Your Falernian, and your 

 Xeres, and occasionally your Cogniac, are all very well in their 

 way; but for my part I prefer the Orientals." With sentences 

 like this did Baptisto amuse himself and the domestics during his 

 repast; and then, motioning, with an air of consequence, that he 

 was ready to retire, he was shown into a room in which were 

 several rich habiliments, and all the necessary articles of a Vene- 

 tian gentleman's toilette. 



" Very good — very excellent, i' faith ; this doublet is of the 

 finest texture, and this mantle becoming. A gold chain ; just 

 as it should be — and now" — gazing in one of those magnificent 

 mirrors for which Venice was so celebrated — "and now, Signore 

 Baptisto Biondetto, thou lookest like thyself! " 



A few promenades up and down the room, and as many 

 glances in the mirror, convinced him that he was not only a 

 good match for a Signora, but even that he was not to be des- 

 pised by the daughter of the Doge herself. From the tiring- 

 room he was led to a saloon, where every luxury served to promote 

 indulgence. Marbles from the chisels of Phidias and Michael 

 Angelo— the exquisite gems of Titian, Giorgione, and Sebastian 

 del Piombo, whose works were then the glory of Venice; otto- 



