"This resolution to abandon the command of your gallant band is somewhat sudden, meseems, Signor Stephano," he said: for not having been present at the council held two nights previously, he was unaware of the captain's intention until it was alluded to in that individual's speech on the present occasion. "Yes, my lord," was the reply; "the resolution _is_ sudden, But," he added, sinking his voice to a whisper, "a certain little blind god is at the bottom of it." "Ah! signor, you are in love!" said the marquis, laughing. "And therefore, I mean to turn honest man," observed Verrina, also laughing. "In truth, I am not sorry to have found a good excuse to quit a mode of life which the headsman yearns to cut short. Not that I reck for peril; but, methinks, twenty years of danger and adventure ought to be succeeded by a season of tranquillity." "Love has a marvelous influence over you, Signor Verrina," said the marquis; "for love alone could have inspired such sentiments in _your_ breast." "I am fain to confess that your lordship is not far wrong," returned the bandit. "I have discovered a woman who is worthy of me--although she may not consider me to be altogether deserving of her. But of that no matter; for I am not accustomed to consult the inclinations of others, when mine own are concerned. And now a word in respect to yourself, my lord. When do you propose to quit this place? for according to my promise, you are now the master of your own actions." "The mysterious assault made upon the convent--the destruction of the entire establishment--and the lives that have been lost, will doubtless create a terrible sensation in Florence," replied the nobleman; "and should it transpire that I was in any way implicated----" "That is impossible, my lord," interrupted Stephano. "These men whom you behold around you could alone betray that secret; and you must have seen enough of them----" "To know that they are stanch and true," added the marquis. "Yes, on reflection, I perceive that I have nothing to fear; and therefore, with your leave, the countess, her young companion, and myself will take our departure to-morrow." "In the evening, when it is dusk," said Stephano. "But your lordship will not remain in Florence?" "The news which you brought me, a few days ago, of the arrest of that poor Israelite on a ridiculous but most monstrous charge, has affected me strangely," observed Manuel; "and as it is in my power to explain away that charge, I must tarry in Florence the necessary time to accomplish this object. The Count of Arestino will imagine that his wife has perished in the ruins of the convent; and hence her temporary concealment in the city will be easily effected."