ng."

"What meanest thou, Aluisi?" she asked in alarm, and moving quickly
aside, as the gay company swept by, that he might explain himself.
"Surely she might wish to speak with him alone; she is more happy in his
presence than she hath been for years. Seest thou not?"

"Aye, my very dear one, I see it well. It is that I would hold this rare
happiness for her so long as may be; and there is that in the manner of
my cousin, the Cornaro, which pleaseth me not. I would not have him
unfold to her the matter of his Embassy, if it may be a little
deferred."

"It hath been told thee, already?"

"Not more than to thee. But in all the grace of him I see his head above
his heart--a certain quality of his father, the 'Magnifico, Marco
Cornaro'--as he was known in Venice. Yet one who standeth watching,
somewhat apart, may note a hint of displeasure at the splendor of his
welcome and the loyalty of the court for the Queen: and the ready wit
with which he answereth concealeth under its sparkle a certain
persistent measuring of some purpose which he hath much at heart--as if
he were studying meanwhile how best to compass his end."

She laid her hand entreatingly on his arm. "For once, my Aluisi, it may
be thou dost o'er-reach thyself. Is he not her brother?"

He smiled at her, unconvinced.

"I have watched so long," he said, "and the life of our Queen-Cousin
hath been so sadly thwarted that it may well be my fear for her taketh
flame too lightly. But she hath set such store upon his coming, and with
such gracious scheming for his pleasure, that if he leave her time she
may soften any hard intent. San Marco grant that I have misjudged him,
for he is of our house."

"Thou hast much weight with her," the Dama Margherita answered very low.
"Stay near me, that we may guard her."

But scarcely had they reached the terraces where all the Court were
scattered, than they found the Queen pleading with her brother.

"Not to-night, Zorzi mio! For this one night let us take the pleasure of
thy coming as a brother to my home. Thou must know our customs and our
people and let them offer thee glad welcome. I have music and song
planned for thee:--and our Cyprian gardens--with their delights!--Let us
stroll awhile."

He made a gesture of dissent.

"The banquet hath been long enough," he said, "nor lacking for sweets.
There is meat of stronger quality to digest. Not for feasting I came,
but upon an embassy the matter of which we must dis