Volume V Part 22 (2/2)
Your excellency will note her wisdo that she would need your lordshi+p's protection at Venice, for she will require someone to look after the investment of her capital The whole amount is in my hands, and if she likes Marcoline can have it all in less than two hours”
”Very good; then you must start for Venice the day after to-morrow
Mattio is quite ready to receive you”
”I have the greatest respect and love for my uncle, but it is not to his care that your excellency o”
”Then to whom?”
”To your own care, hter two or three tiood father, and I will coly; otherwise I protest I will not leave the man to whom I owe all I have I will start for London with hihted me silence fell on all They waited for M Querini to speak, and the general opinion seeone too far to be able to draw back Nevertheless, the old man kept silence; perhaps in his character of devotee he was afraid of being led into teuests were silent like him, and ate to keep each other in countenance
Mattio's hand trembled as he waited; Marcoline alone was calm and collected Dessert was served, and still no one dared to say a word All at once this wonderful girl said, in an inspired voice, as if speaking to herself,--
”We must adore the decrees of Divine Providence, but after the issue, since ood or whether it be evil”
”What does that reflection relate to, hter?” said M
Querini, ”and why do you kiss my hand now?”
”I kiss your hand because you have called hter for the fourth time”
This judicious reeneral gaiety; but M Querini asked Marcoline to explain her observation on Providence
”It was an inspiration, and the result of self-exa of life; I am only seventeen, and in the course of two months I have become rich by honest reatest error a maiden can commit Thus I humble myself before the decrees, of Providence and adore its wisdoht to repent of what you have done”
”That's where I am puzzled; for before I can repent; Ifor which to repent I suppose I shall have to consult soian on the point”
”That will not be necessary; you are, intelligent, and your heart is good, and I will give you the necessary instruction on the way When one repents there is no need to think of the pleasure which our sins have given us”
In his character of apostle the good M Querini was beco piously amorous of his fair proselyte He left the table for a few moments, and when he returned he, told Marcoline that if he had a young lady to take to, Venice he should be obliged to leave her in the care of his housekeeper, Dame Veneranda, in who to her; and if you would like to coed You shall sleep with her, and dine with us till we get to Venice, and then I will deliver, you into your , in the presence of your uncle What do you say?”
”I will come with pleasure:”
”Coly”
”Come with us, Casanova”
Dame Veneranda looked a perfect cannoness, and I did not think that Marcoline would fall, in love with her, but she seemed sensible and trustworthy M Querini told her in our presence what he had just told Marcoline, and the duenna assured hi lady Marcoline kissed her and called her races We rejoined, the company, who expressed to Marcoline their intense pleasure at having her for a companion on their journey
”I shall have to put e,” said M Querini, ”as the calash only holds two”
”That will not be necessary,” I ree, and Mistress Veneranda will find it a very coe as well”