f Murano--Magagnati, of the Venetian people."

"Never before, in the annals of the Republic, was one known to refuse
the gift of nobility," Giustinian explained, as he described the scene
to the Lady Laura. "And, verily, one saw that the displeasure of the Ten
was great; the more so that in the interests of the government the
return they would have made may not be kept from the knowledge of the
people. Yet our senior master of Murano was suffered to depart with a
gracious word of regret from this consummate Donate, 'that a new noble,
so loyal in sentiment, should not be numbered among the councillors of
Venice.' Truly this grandsire of our little one lacketh not pride, and
his bearing became him well, though the Senate would have had it
otherwise. His gift was generous; but verily he needeth little for the
maintenance of the state he keepeth!"

"Giustinian, it was a noble act! And already the Republic is more
beholden to our baby than to any child in Venice; it will bring gladness
to the face of our sad Marina."

"Nay, guard thee from speech of it; perchance she may not hear thereof,
being thus concerned with grief for this quarrel--womanlike; and she
hath not strength to bear the thought of war. Verily, the reverend
father confessors in Venice have much to answer for; I would thou
couldst find means to keep Fra Francesco from his ministrations in her
palace."

"Fra Francesco--so holy and gentle--a man to trust!"

"Ay, I have naught against him, save that he is trained in the school of
Rome, having a conscience to uphold their claims, and with no thought or
care for anything but the Church--no wisdom to discover any right of
princes. Such confessors make trouble among the people. I doubt not our
daughter trusteth the word of Fra Francesco beyond thine or mine. Do thy
possible to keep him from her; there is no knowing what Marcantonio may
do at her bidding, and in this crisis there shall be no stain upon our
house."

"Thou, then, Giustinian, speak with Marco."

"Nay, I dare not name Marina to him under such suspicion; it might be
the forcing of the very thing we fear. He hath a way with him of hearing
all and saying naught, save some gay, facile word, courteous to the
point one can find no fault; and underneath he hath perhaps some scheme,
and never can one get a promise from him."

XVIII

The Lady Marina was wan from fear and fasting but very resolute, though
her face showed traces of tears, as her husban