earliest master of our beautiful art, was thine ancestor. The Giustinian
stoops not in taking thee."

"He is noble enough to be thy son, my father--and chivalrous as
thou--but we are too noble to let him do aught unbefitting his noble
house; for thou knowest the Giustiniani are like princes in Venice, and
Marco is their only son. He oweth duty to the Republic; and this day, in
the Ducal Palace, hath he sworn his oath of allegiance."

"First should it have been to thee!"

"Ay, first it was to me," she answered serenely; "he would not have it
otherwise; it is only _my_ promise that is lacking. This will I not give
until the Giustiniani make me welcome, or there would be no happiness
for Marco. He shall not lose, in loving me. The Signor Giustinian
Giustiniani is so stern--and one of the Chiefs--I would not vex him and
bring down the displeasure of the Ten; I would bring my Marco
happiness--not pain."

"Oh, the courage of young hearts!" the old man exclaimed with a thrill
of pride and amazement. "Never had Giustinian a prouder bride. And
already thou hast won my heart for this lover of thine, who hath hope
of taking thee from thy old father, yet stays at thy bidding."

"He hath said that he would be here ere the fête began," she answered
timidly, "since already, through the portrait, thou must know the truth;
and it would seem unknightly, or as if he feared thy displeasure, if he
came not this day to pay thee his duty. Father, methinks there is
already a stir below----"