the dais, and who was known to be of the strictest
oligarchical proclivities, risked the words, "_Remember the Serrata
Consiglio_," in a clear undertone, but was immediately repressed by a
terrible glance from more than one of the commanding Savii.

Giustinian Giustiniani was alone kept silent by the force of conflicting
emotions which left him only strength enough to realize that he was too
angry to advise with dignity, though he was one of the Chiefs of the
Ten. He had been outwitted in the presence of the Maggior Consiglio by a
son who had shown an astuteness and courtliness of which any Venetian
father might be proud, together with a knowledge of the point upon which
he based his appeal, which required the summoning of the Avvogadori di
Commun, though it was uttered in the presence of the six supreme
Councillors of the Republic! He could not interpose to demean his
ancient lineage by consenting to this unpatrician alliance; he would not
accept the alternative for his only son--the last of the Giustiniani!
Nor could he urge a Giustinian to break a vow of honor made before the
highest tribunal of the realm. He was trembling with wrath and filled
with admiration, while he sat speechless, awaiting the issue of a
question which so deeply concerned the interests of the Ca' Giustiniani.

The impression was profound, and a silence fell upon that magnificent
assembly through which the rulers of the ship of state seemed to hear
the throbbings of a threatened storm. They were men of power, and they
realized that it was a moment when action should be prompt and positive.

A yellowed parchment, with the great seal of the Republic appended, was
brought in state from the adjoining chambers of the Avvogadori and laid
before the Doge, who passed it, in turn, to each of his Councillors.

The silence was breathless. All eyes turned instinctively upon the young
noble, who had withdrawn to the side of his friend, and stood,
unconscious of their gaze, radiant with his hope of Marina.

"Nobles of the Gran' Consiglio of our Most Serene Republic," said the
Doge at last with deep impressiveness, "this record is the original
decree of this Senate, of the fourteenth century, given under the Great
Seal of the Republic in 1357. It hath been duly laid before our
Councillors in your presence and unanimously confirmed by them. And they
do unanimously consent to this our ruling in favor of the petition which
hath this day been presented before th