Page:Matteo Bandello - twelve stories (IA cu31924102029083).pdf/364

 ingly went, taking only a page as escort, the other serving-folk being sent to an inn. Having himself been an honoured guest of the young man's father, the Venetian sought to entertain Galeazzo to the very best of his power.

He had a daughter, fifteen years old, and passing fair. Galeazzo, who saw the girl constantly every day, and who had never yet known what sort of thing love was, grew deeply enamoured of her. As the lad pleased her, she did not avoid love's dart, but, aware of his passion, returned it a thousandfold; and matters reached such a pass, that they soon managed to make the following plan: Her father was to pay over all the money to Galeazzo within three days and then return with him to Venice, where he had to stay for a while. Two days after his departure, the damsel was to flee from home, in charge of Galeazzo's trusted servant, whom he pretended he was sending to his mother. In fact, the Venetian had despatched letters to her by him, but the good servant remained in hiding at Padua until the time fixed for flight.

Having got the money, Galeazzo went back with his host to Venice, and, acting on his advice,