aid Morosini Morosini, who was a friend of the
Giustiniani, and who, like many another strong-brained Venetian, knew
the taste of unsatisfied longings, yet kept a brave heart for the
records of the Republic. And as he spoke there came to some of them who
knew their annals well a stinging memory of the tale--which was no
legend--of that pathetic group in their island sanctuary--the brothers
who were left, after the death of Otto, the exiled Doge, and of Orso,
the noble bishop-prince, all of the house of Orseoli, who, with their
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 fete, fruits and game, were unloading on the broad
marble steps, and through the wrought open-work of the splendid gates a
scene of activity was disclosed in the nearer court which served as an
office for the various departments of the household; while the
house-master had come down the steps from his cozy lodge beside the
entrance, and stood dispensing orders to a group of eager domestics.

In the deep shadow of the entrance-court the open one, through which the
light streamed radiantly, seemed far distant, and when the great bell
sent c