ince!" she cried. "I speak for
the mothers of all the babes of Venice. And oh, my Lords,"--and now the
words came in a low, intense wail, as she turned instinctively and
included them all in the beseeching motion of her hands,--"if you have
no mercy on yourselves, at least have mercy on your tender little ones!
Do not bring damnation on these innocent, helpless children by your own
act. Be great enough to submit to a greater power!"

"It is unseemly," murmured another of the Councillors, yet low, as if
afraid of his own judgment in a case so strange.

Leonardo Donato had been in possession of the supreme ducal authority
but a few weeks, not long enough to unlearn the tone of command and the
quick power of decision which had distinguished him as ambassador, when
he had been chosen with the unanimous approval of this august assembly,
to conciliate the court of Rome in the hour of the Republic's great
emergency. His presence of mind returned to him; the scene had lasted
long enough, and the situation was critical. The noble Lady Marina must
be retired without disgrace, for the honor of the Ca' Giustiniani; but,
above all, that she might not heighten the impression which her presence
had already created. And she must be placed where she could exercise no
further influence, yet in a way that should awaken no commiseration; for
she was beautiful and terribly in earnest, and in her deep eyes there
was the light of a prophet, and all Venice was at her feet.

The Doge spoke a word low to his Councillors, who sat nearest him on
either side, and they, with decorous signs of approval, passed it on to
the others. Thus fortified he rose, descended the steps of the ducal
throne, and addressed her with grave courtesy; the whole house, as in
custom bound, rising also while their prince was standing.

"We do not forget, most noble Lady Marina Giustiniani, that more than
many others thou art a daughter of the Republic, being especially
adopted by the Act of the Signoria; and thy love for Venice wins
forgiveness for the strangeness of thy fear that we, her loyal rulers,
could work her harm. But thou art distressed and needing rest, from the
pain of the vision which thou hast confided to us. We will care for
thee, as a father should.

"Let the noble Senator Marcantonio Giustiniani approach and conduct his
lady to private apartments within our palace, where she may rest, with
her maidens, until she shall be refreshed. One of our secretar