tears or temper she could not run away nor change him for a pleasanter
companion, and she knew no other way to manage such a difficulty; and
there was no pleasure in the Piazza because of that eternal critica.
There was triumph still in a _canalazzo_, for Piero was so handsome and
so strong, and in the gondola, on the Canal Grande, one could not hear
the talking--besides, Venice was not Murano; but in the home the old
friends came no more, and life was very sad--quite other than it used to
be!

Even her father, who traced the disgrace that had come upon his house to
his over-indulgence, was now proportionately severe, and to his stern
sense of honor the lawless son-in-law was a most unwelcome guest.
Through that slow year of Toinetta's life Marina was the veritable angel
in the house, not conscious of any self-sacrifice, but only of living
intensely, making the living under the same roof possible for these two
strong men who looked at life from such different standpoints, soothing
the wounded pride of her father by her perfect sympathy while striving
to rouse Piero to nobler ideals.

And now that it was all over--was it all over?--there lay the poor
little Zuane; and Piero, over the water at his traghetto, was a great
care. But he should do his best yet for the people!

A deep voice with a ring of wistfulness came through the darkness:

"Doth he not sleep yet, the little Zuane? The evening hath been long,
and I have somewhat to show thee."

"I come, my father," she answered very tenderly, as she followed him
through the narrow, dark corridor, into a large chamber which served as