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 being always previously given; and it was only in case the party proved incorrigible that punishment ensued.

The clock now struck one, and the nobile, who could not be prevailed on to take another drop, quitted the house with firm step, while Camillo, with a head confused by the fumes of wine, reeled through the streets to the Frangipani palace. With tottering feet he ascended the marble steps, glistening in the brightest moonlight; and on entering, the tones of a lute met his ear. He mechanically followed the melodious sound, which led him into a lofty vaulted gallery, and soon stood before an open door, through which the fragrance of flowers, the harmony of sweet sounds, and the silver rays of the moon, poured in a torrent that bewildered the senses. It was Apollonia’s chamber. Lofty pillars of white marble supported a rose-coloured silk awning; the drapery, descending in rich folds to the floor, was held back by silver arms twisted into the form of serpents, and shewed the swelling pillows on which the first beauty of her time was wont to repose. At the open bow-window, before which the sea glistened tremulously in the moonbeams, was seated