a was silent; but while he kept his mouth firm, a slight glow
rose in his face with the suppressed excitement that was growing within
him. It would be a critical moment--that in which he delivered the
letter out of his own hands.

"It is most probable that Messer Domenico will return in time," said
Tito, affecting to consider the Frate's determination settled, and
rising from his chair as he spoke. "With your permission, I will take
my leave, father, not to trespass on your time when my errand is done;
but as I may not be favoured with another interview, I venture to
confide to you--what is not yet known to others, except to the
magnificent Ten--that I contemplate resigning my secretaryship, and
leaving Florence shortly. Am I presuming too much on your interest in
stating what relates chiefly to myself?"

"Speak on, my son," said the Frate; "I desire to know your prospects."

"I find, then, that I have mistaken my real vocation in forsaking the
career of pure letters, for which I was brought up. The politics of
Florence, father, are worthy to occupy the greatest mind--to occupy
yours--when a man is in a position to execute his own ideas; but when,
like me, he can only hope to be the mere instrument of changing schemes,
he requires to be animated by the minor attachments of a born
Florentine: also, my wife's unhappy alienation from a Florentine
residence since the painful events of August naturally influences me. I
wish to join her."

Savonarola inclined his head approvingly.

"I intend, then, soon to leave Florence, to visit the chief courts of
Europe, and to widen my acquaintance with the men of letters in the
various universities. I shall go first to the court of Hungary, where
scholars are eminently welcome; and I shall probably start in a week or
ten days. I have not concealed from you, father, that I am no religious
enthusiast; I have not my wife's ardour; but religious enthusiasm, as I
conceive, is not necessary in order to appreciate the grandeur and
justice of your views concerning the government of nations and the
Church. And if you condescend to intrust me with any commission that
will further the relations you wish to establish, I shall feel honoured.
May I now take my leave?"

"Stay, my son. When you depart from Florence I will send a letter to
your wife, of whose spiritual welfare I would fain be assured, for she
left me in anger. As for the letters to France, such as I have ready--"

Savo