The previous evening was the first they had not passed together since
the death of Zuanino; her father had sent her word that he had matter
which would occupy him alone, and all day Marina had been heavy-hearted,
going at matins and at vespers quite alone to the Madonna at the Duomo,
that she might take comfort and counsel.

Girolamo did not respond to her caress, though his tone softened a
little as he proceeded with his tale and her arm stole round him.

"Yesterday, at the stabilimento Beroviero, we were summoned by a call of
our Capo of the Ten to witness the approval that should be passed on the
exhibit of that stabilimento; we all, of the Guild of Murano, were there
as always. And foremost among the productions, most marvelous for
beauty, was a fabric of their lucent crystal--thou knowest it, Marina?
My child--how came thy face there? _Thy_ face, Marina--set round with
lustrous pearls!"

He folded her to his breast with sudden passion, and stooped his head to
her shoulder for an instant, lifting it quickly that she might not feel
the sobbing of his breath which, even more than his broken words,
betrayed his anguish.

"Dearest father, it was because I loved thee so much that I would not
have thee suffer from my pain, that I told thee not. Never again will I
hold aught from thee."

"Thy pain, Marina? and thy face--and for the young noble, Giustiniani? I
do not understand."

"Father, because I could grant him nothing and he would give me