354 TRAVEL, ADVENTURE, AND SPORT. 



conie, Jurissa, this is no time for gossip. You must 

 not be seen in Gradiska. Away with you ! " 



" And the Venetian," cried Jitrissa, " what is his 

 name 1 " 



" It is the Proveditore Marcello, who has lately re- 

 turned from a long absence in the East." 



The Uzcoque started. The name seemed to have 

 some potent and mysterious effect upon him, and he 

 stood for a few moments with his eyes fixed upon the 

 ground, apparently forgetful of the necessity for his 

 immediate departure. The priest took him by the 

 arm and drew him towards the door, which he was 

 about to open, when Jurissa shook off his grasp and 

 hastily approached the counsellor's wife, who had 

 thrown herself into a large gilded chair before one of 

 the pier-glasses, and was busily engaged in trying on 

 the ornaments that had just been brought her. 



" Have a care, noble lady ! " cried the Uzcoque. 

 " You will do well to let a couple of weeks elapse 

 before you appear in public with those pretty gauds. 

 At any rate, wear them not at to-morrow's ball, lest 

 perchance they find an owner. Beware, lady, of the 

 Proveditore Marcello ! " 



With a look of peculiar meaning he left the room, 

 accompanied by Father Cipriano. But his warning 

 fell faintly upon the lady's ear, who, though she 

 heard the words, was far too much engrossed in 

 arranging and admiring the costly gems so lately 

 become her own to give much heed -to their import. 



