is like Marco again!" she cried, with a little pleased laugh. "He
said--because I would make him no promise until all consented--that he
would take me thus before all the world, and that should make them
consent."

"Nay, let him come out from his house and take thee! I also, of the
people, bear an ancient name, and I have kept it honorable. Pietro, the
earliest master of our beautiful art, was thine ancestor. The Giustinian
stoops not in taking thee."

"He is noble enough to be thy son, my father--and chivalrous as
thou--but we are too noble to let him do aught unbefitting his noble
house; for thou knowest the Giustiniani are like princes in Venice, and
Marco is their only son. He oweth duty to the Republic; and this day, in
the Ducal Palace, hath he sworn his oath of allegiance."

"First should it have been to thee!"

"Ay, first it was to me," she answered serenely; "he would not have it
otherwise; it is only _my_ promise that is lacking. This will I not give
until the Giustiniani make me welcome, or there would be no happiness
for Marco. He shall not lose, in loving me. The Signor Giustinian
Giustiniani is so stern--and one of the Chiefs--I would not vex him and
bring down the displeasure of the Ten; I would bring my Marco
happiness--not pain."

"Oh, the courage of young hearts!" the old man exclaimed with a thrill
of pride and amazement. "Never had Giustinian a prouder bride. And
already thou hast won my heart for this lover of thine, who hath hope
of taking thee from thy old father, yet stays at thy bidding."

"He hath said that he would be here ere the fete began," she answered
timidly, "since already, through the portrait, thou must know the truth;
and it would seem unknightly, or as if he feared thy displeasure, if he
came not this day to pay thee his duty. Father, methinks there is
already a stir below----"

"Thou shouldst make thyself brave!" her father exclaimed, with a quick,
anxious glance at her simple home toilette. "He will pass from thee to
many noble ladies in the palazzo Giustiniani--all in bravery of
festival."

"Nay, my father, so he found me; I would not hold him by devices, of
which I know naught. There will be much to suffer, and these trifles
cannot enter into anything so deep and real. I would rather he should
change to-day--if he could be light enough to change. Besides," she
faltered, with a quick, charming blush, "I think it is already his step
without; and to-night he will have so