"It is here," answered Gelsomina, opening a drawer, and handing to her cousin a small but closely enveloped package, which, unknown to herself, contained some articles of forbidden commerce, and which the other, in her indefatigable activity, had been obliged to secrete for a time. "I had begun to think that thou hadst forgotten it, and was about to send it to thee." "Gelsomina, if thou lovest me, never do so rash an act! My brother Giuseppe--thou scarce knowest Giuseppe?" "We have little acquaintance, for cousins." "Thou art fortunate in thy ignorance. I cannot say what I might of the child of the same parents, but had Giuseppe seen this package by any accident, it might have brought thee into great trouble!" "Nay, I fear not thy brother, nor any else," said the daughter of the prison-keeper, with the firmness of innocence; "he could do me no harm for dealing kindly by a relative." "Thou art right; but he might have caused me great vexation. Sainted Maria! if thou knewest the pain that unthinking and misguided boy gives his family! He is my brother, after all, and you will fancy the rest. Addio, good Gessina; I hope thy father will permit thee to come and visit, at last, those who so much love thee." "Addio, Annina; thou knowest I would come gladly, but that I scarce quit the side of my poor mother." The wily daughter of the wine-seller gave her guileless and unsuspecting friend a kiss, and then she was let out and departed. "Carlo," said the soft voice of Gessina; "thou can'st come forth, for we have no further fear of visits." The Bravo appeared, but with a paleness deeper than common on his cheek. He looked mournfully at the gentle and affectionate being who awaited his return, and when he struggled to answer her ingenuous smile, the abortive effort gave his features an expression of ghastliness. "Annina has wearied thee with her idle discourse of the regatta, and of murders on the canals. Thou wilt not judge her harshly, for the manner in which she spoke of Giuseppe, who may deserve this, and more. But I know thy impatience, and I will not increase thy weariness." "Hold, Gessina--this girl is thy cousin?" "Have I not told thee so? Our mothers are sisters." "And she is here often?" "Not as often as she could wish, I am certain, for her aunt has not quitted her room for many, many months." "Thou art an excellent daughter, kind Gessina, and would make all others as virtuous as thyself. And thou hast been to return these visits?" "Never. My father forbids it, for they are dealers in wines, and entertain the gondoliers in revelry. But Annina is blameless for the trade of her parents." "No doubt--and that package? it hath been long in thy keeping."