him, but the sudden realization had come that it was hard to fight
against the traditions of centuries. Yet how bravely she, his mother,
was trying to surrender her social creed for his happiness; it was not a
little thing that he had asked of her, but it seemed to him that her
soul had been nearer to her eyes than ever before during these days when
she had been suffering. At all costs these women--his dearest in the
world--must love each other, must bless each other's lives.

He went back with some comprehension of the barrier he had thought so
lightly to remove, with a vow in his soul to be more to each; because of
it neither should lose aught for his sake. He seemed suddenly older,
though his face was very tender.

"That which seemeth best to thee, my mother, in the matter of the
meeting, Marina would surely do; for it is thou who must guard for us
these little matters of custom, which none knoweth better. But her
father--never have I known one more courtly, nor more proud----"

"Marco, it is much to ask that we should think of him!"

"Ay, mother, it is much. Yet if thou knewest him thou wouldst
understand. For Marina is all the world to him, and I would take her
from him. Yet so he loveth her that never hath he said me nay. Naught
hath he asked for her of gold nor jewels, but only this--that she shall
not come unbidden to our home."

He spoke the last words very low and with an effort, as if they held a
prayer.

"And so--?"