civil case."

"Would they not understand things better if they were allowed
representation in the Senate?" she persisted. "And what is this law? And
why is the subject not fit for Venetian nobles to discuss, since it
touches them so nearly?" She was growing disturbed, for she feared some
injustice, since Marco had not been indignant at the strange condition
she had unfolded to him, and she had thought it must suffice only to
name it to him.

The young patrician looked at her in amazement. Fra Paolo was indeed
right, yet he had been almost indignant at the suggestion.

"The subject cannot be discussed," he said, in quick, hard tones,
"because the Abbot of Nervessa hath committed crimes so atrocious that
thou would'st shrink at the bare naming of them. And for Saraceni--the
Canon of Vicenza--there came one day to the Senate a noble lady of
Vicenza, young, and very beautiful, and in great trouble, casting
herself at the feet of the Serenissimo, imploring protection from
disgrace that the canon would bring upon her--a scandal I had never
thought to name to thee. And there are other charges."

"It cannot be true!" she cried, flushed and trembling. "Dear Marco, they
are priests!"

"The truth will be decided by the integrity of the law," he answered,
severely; "they shall have justice at our courts; but it is a question
for the civil courts, since the people also cry for justice, and the
ecclesiastical law is not to deal with heinous civil offenses--though
committed by one in priestly robes. It is a just law of Venice--ancient,
and only now reaffirmed."

"This is the law they spake of, Marco?"

Now that she dimly understood there was some great trouble coming on the
people, she must know the right at any cost--even that of her husband's
displeasure; it was her duty to him, and she had put her question
firmly.

"This--and another," he answered, unwillingly. "Listen, Marina, for I am
weary of thy questions. The law to forbid new foundations of church or
monastery, or the introduction of new religious orders without the
sanction of the government--also an ancient law, and but now
reaffirmed--is doubtless that of which they spake."

Marina stood confounded, with flashing eyes; how could the Republic
dare to question the liberties of the Church! "Thou meanest, Marco, that
the Church, which is the head, must ask the Doge what she may do when
she would increase her own religious institutions--when she hath need of
buildin