"And what about the race of the rulers who will take its place, will it not also have its vices?"
"They are the vices of a single man; they are less to be feared than those of the people."
"That may be," answered Adelaide, "but that does not prevent me from saying to you that it is not up to us to decide which is the best type of government. We should only follow with docility the one which Heaven has caused to be created in Venice and respect the hands which hold the reins of government. When you do not respect this situation, you are wrong, and I shall never take part in such wrong doing. Anthony, I have promised to respect your secret, it will not be betrayed; but do not require me to go beyond that, I would be deceiving you in promising it."
At this moment several of the conspirators appeared.
"Let's separate," said Anthony, "remember your oaths and be here tomorrow before daybreak."
Adelaide left without answering and went to reflect on these matters with her faithful companion. She had the idea that it would be best to leave Venice immediately, but Bathilda advised her not to do that saying that anybody who fled would be considered to be guilty.
"If the things succeed," said this wise friend, "those who consider you to be one of their friends, fearing that you might reveal one day the secrets of their plan, will seek you out and destroy you. On the other hand, if the plan fails, your flight from the city will immediately put you in the camp with the traitors. I am afraid that your curiosity may get us into some serious trouble."
"I realize that I have made a blunder," said Adelaide. "It may be too late to do anything about it. What do you advise me to do?"
"Take your chances with the senator and go tomorrow as you have promised."
Adelaide got up early the next morning with the idea of carrying out the plan when she saw from the window that some guards were surrounding the house. Three of them came up the steps, their faces almost hidden by the ample cloaks which they wore.
121
