Book the Third - Chapter 3 The Midnight Meeting

"Victory!" shouted Parozzi, as he rushed into the Cardinal Gonzaga's
chamber, where the chief conspirators were all assembled; "our work
goes on bravely. Flodoardo returned this morning to Venice, and
Abellino has already received the required sum."

Gonzaga.--Flodoardo does not want talents; I had rather he should
live and join our party. He is seldom off his guard Parozzi.--Such vagabonds may well be cautious; they must not forget
themselves, who have so much to conceal from others.

Falieri.--Rosabella, as I understand, by no means sees this
Florentine with unfavourable eyes.

Parozzi.--Oh, wait till to-morrow, and then he may make love to the
devil and his grandmother, if he likes it. Abellino by that time
will have wrung his neck round, I warrant you.

Contarino.--It is strange that, in spite of all inquiries, I can
learn but little at Florence respecting this Flodoardo. My letters
inform me that some time ago there did exist a family of that name;
but it has been long extinct, or if any of its descendants are still
in being at Florence, their existence is quite a secret.

Gonzaga.--Are you all invited to the Doge's tomorrow?

Contarino.--All of us, without exception.

Gonzaga.--That is well. It seems that my recommendations have
obtained some weight with him, since his triumvirate has been
removed. And in the evening a masked ball is to be given. Did not
the Doge's chamberlain say so?