ained them with a
prohibitory motion.

"I crave your Excellency's pardon. For the better ruling of this
community and the clearing of all the innocent among our brotherhood, I
have summoned hither every soul under my rule. That no scandal may
arise, your Excellency will permit that the charge under which this
arrest is made be declared."

Assent was given by an impatient gesture.

"Fra Antonio, while he hath been a recipient of our hospitality," said
the Superior, "is described by trustworthy advices from our Chapter in
Rome, but just received, as a person who hath designs upon the life of a
member of this community."

"It is a false scandal," cried Fra Antonio, who had found his voice at
last. "I shall not be condemned without proof!"

"The truth is known," said Fra Paolo, leaning toward him and speaking
low. "It were better for thee to confess--or depart in silence."

But the man was beside himself with fear; he caught at his last,
desperate chance of favor, dragging himself to the feet of Fra Paolo and
pouring out an abject tale of petty jealousies and offenses for which he
obsequiously craved pardon of this "idol of the convent," protesting,
with horrible oaths, that he was guilty of nothing more.

The rare shade of compassion that had softened Fra Paolo's face when he
gave his warning, deepened to a glory and his eyes shone with a grace
that was like love, as he raised the wretched man and strove to arrest
his torrent of words. "_God_ heareth thee, my brother," he said
pleadingly; "have pity on thine own soul. Kneel to Him alone in thy
great need. But spend not thy strength with trifles that demean us both.
If thine heart hath aught against me, I forgive it."

Then turning to the Chief he besought that the trial should be
short--"For the man is ill, and I would have quiet speech with him."

"For the honor of the Servi, let the matter be dispatched, and let proof
be brought," the Superior demanded, surprised and displeased at any
softness in Fra Paolo, whose dominant note was justice, rather than
mercy.

"We will grant him the favor of a farewell collation ere he taketh leave
of his entertainers," said the Giustinian. "Let the refection be
brought."

The friars exchanged glances of astonishment and dismay as a dish of
fruit and of white bread were brought forward by two of the ducal
guards, on a costly salver wrought with the arms of Venice. It was like
the simple refreshment they had often carried to