The Donna Giulietta rang for her mantle and attendants. The crowing infant and the noisy boy were dismissed to their beds, while the lady and the eldest child descended to the gondola. Donna Giulietta was not permitted to go unattended to her boat, for this was a family in which the inclinations had fortunately seconded the ordinary calculations of interest when the nuptial knot was tied. Her husband kissed her hand fondly, as he assisted her into the gondola, and the boat had glided some distance from the palace ere he quitted the moist stones of the water-gate. "Hast thou prepared the cabinet for my friends?" demanded the Signor Soranzo, for it was the same Senator who had been in company with the Doge when the latter went to meet the fishermen. "Signore, si." "And the quiet, and the lights--as ordered?" "Eccellenza, all will be done." "Thou hast placed seats for six--we shall be six." "Signore, there are six arm-chairs." "'Tis well: when the first of my friends arrive, I will join them." "Eccellenza, there are already two cavaliers in masks within." The Signor Soranzo started, again consulted his watch, and went hastily towards a distant and very silent part of the palace. He reached a small door unattended, and closing it, found himself at once in the presence of those who evidently awaited his appearance. "A thousand pardons, Signori," cried the master of the house; "this is novel duty to me, at least--I know not what may be your honorable experience--and the time stole upon me unmarked. I pray for grace, Messires; future diligence shall repair the present neglect." Both the visitors were older men than their host, and it was quite evident by their hardened visages they were of much longer practice in the world. His excuses were received with courtesy, and, for a little time, the discourse was entirely of usage and convention. "We are in secret here, Signore?" asked one of the guests, after some little time had been wasted in this manner. "As the tomb. None enter here unbidden but my wife, and she has this moment taken boat for better enjoyment of the evening." "The world gives you credit, Signor Soranzo, for a happy ménage. I hope you have duly considered the necessity of shutting the door even against the Donna Giulietta to-night?" "Doubt me not, Signore; the affairs of St. Mark are paramount." "I feel myself thrice happy, Signori, that in drawing a lot for the secret council, my good fortune hath given me so excellent colleagues. Believe me, I have discharged this awful trust, in my day, in less agreeable company." This flattering speech, which the wily old senator had made regularly to all whom chance had associated with him in the inquisition, during a long life, was well received, and it was returned with equal compliments.