s among the hierarchy for the island of Cyprus, in
perpetuity--the proud title of Archbishop of Salamis--the imperial staff
with the golden apple at top--the cap with the red cross, and many other
honors and immunities. It was a long way from the primitive simplicity
of the fruitful ministration of Jose Barnabas, the Son of Consolation,
as he had fought for souls in the splendid vigor of his youth and
consecration!

"I am glad of these sacred bonds between my two homes!" the young girl
exclaimed with a little wistful sigh.

"There are yet other links in the history of our Church; for Sant'Elena,
the Mother of Constantine--whose tomb thou knowest on our fair island of
Sant'Elena--hath enriched thy favored land of Cyprus with its most
sacred relic, bestowing there the portions of the Holy Cross which she
had brought from Orient, and thou shalt find them still revered in the
Chapel of Santa Croce on the Mountain of the Troodos."

"Thou perchance, most Reverend Father, wilt come some day in pilgrimage
to this blessed shrine in my new land!" Caterina cried hopefully.

"Nay, dear daughter; for my work lieth in Venice. But thou seest that
where our Holy Church hath planted her banner, one may call no land
strange."

It was partly with this thought that the Patriarch had striven to
interest Caterina in these incidents of early Christianity; and partly
from his undefined dread as to what the future might hold for her, with
the wish to keep the Church and its teachings uppermost in her mind,
that she might lean upon them in need. She had been deeply interested
and again and again had turned the talk upon this theme--a docile pupil,
growing in grace and strength from the teachings he gathered for her
from that quaint old volume so little known by the women of her time. It
was his gift to fit her for the unknown life to which she was going, and
it gave him an opportunity for many helpful words which if scarcely
understood at the time came back to her later; yet he darkened her
bright visions with no fears, thinking that hope and joy and faith would
suffice for strength in trial.

The Senate, meanwhile, had matter less placid touching Cyprus and the
betrothed bride wherewith to fill this period of waiting: and more than
once the Senator Marco Cornaro had returned from lengthy sessions at the
Ducal Palace in no gentle humor, yet mute to all questioning. For it had
been learned in that innermost Council, and told no farther than