will. So entire was the
abstraction of the Doge, at the moment, that the usher entered unheeded,
and had stood in respectful attention to his sovereign's pleasure, near
a minute before he was seen.

"What would'st thou, Marco?" demanded the prince, when his eye rose from
the page.

"Signore," returned the officer, using the familiar manner in which
those nearest to the persons of princes are permitted to indulge--"here
are the reverend Carmelite, and the young girl, in waiting."

"How sayest thou? a Carmelite, and a girl!"

"Signore, the same. Those whom your Highness expects."

"What bold pretence is this!"

"Signore, I do but repeat the words of the monk. 'Tell his Highness,'
said the father, 'that the Carmelite he wishes to see, and the young
girl in whose happiness his princely bosom feels so parental an
interest, await his pleasure.'"

There passed a glow, in which indignation was brighter than shame, over
the wasted cheek of the old prince, and his eye kindled.

"And this to me--even in my palace!"

"Pardon, Signore. This is no shameless priest, like so many that
disgrace the tonsure. Both monk and girl have innocent and harmless
looks, and I do suspect your Highness may have forgotten."

The bright spots disappeared from the prince's cheeks and his eye
regained its paternal expression. But age, and experience in his
delicate duties, had taught the Doge of Venice caution. He well knew
that memory had not failed him, and he at once saw that a hidden meaning
lay concealed beneath an application so unusual. There might be a device
of his enemies, who were numerous and active, or, in truth, there might
be some justifiable motive to warrant the applicant in resorting to a
measure so hardy.

"Did the Carmelite say more, good Marco?" he asked, after deep
reflection.

"Signore, he said there was great urgency, as the hour was near when the
innocent might suffer. I doubt not that he comes with a petition in
behalf of some young indiscreet, for there are said to be several young
nobles arrested for their follies in the carnival. The female may be a
sister disguised."

"Bid one of thy companions come hither; and when I touch my bell, do
thou usher these visitors to my presence."

The attendant withdrew, taking care to pass into the antechamber by
doors that rendered it unnecessary to show himself too soon to those who
expected his return. The second usher quickly made his appearance, and
was immediately di