abbess-sister Felicia, were wounded to the heart because for the crime
of too great love and service the jealous and unrequiting Senate had
banished them forever from the Venice so loyally served--had decreed the
extinction of a family to whom, as Doge and Patriarch, the Republic owed
the wisest and most self-sacrificing of her rulers!

"Nay," said another speaker quickly, a friend to Morosini the
historian--for the Broglio had been known to have a voice as well as
ears, and the subject was a dangerous one, not honorable to
Venice--"Nay, there are no Orseoli. But it is for honor to the
Giustiniani that none hath been chosen for the Serenissimo. He is
strong, grave, and very silent; but most wise in council, most prudent
in resource. He is needed among the _Savii_."

"And the coronation oath hath grown over straight since the days of the
Michieli," responded Morosini. "The Giustinian is not a man for our
_promissione_ which, verily, fitteth ill with the dignity of our
Prince--a man of spirit may well find it hard to assume the beretta
under such restrictions!"



IX

With the nonchalance that concealed a skill all Venetian the gondoliers
of the Giustiniani guided them gracefully through the floating craft
moored to the stakes which rose in sheafs before their palace,
announcing the colors of their noble house. Barges bearing flowers and
decorations for the fête, fruits and game, were unloading on the broad
marble steps, and through the wrought open-work of the splendid gates a