with
Pasquale.

"Zorzi!" She called him softly.

He started in his sleep, opened his eyes wide, and tried to spring up
without his crutch, for he fancied himself in a dream. She had thrown
back the drapery that covered her head and the bright light fell upon
her face. It hurt her again to see how he staggered and put out his hand
for his accustomed support.

"I am coming in," she said quietly. "Do not move, unless the door is
locked."

She met him before he was half across the room. Instinctively she put
out her hand to help him back to his chair. Then she understood that he
did not need it, for he was much better now. She saw that he looked to
the window, expecting to see Nella, and she smiled.

"I am alone," she said. "You see how I trust you. Only Pasquale knows
that I am here. You must sit down, and I will sit beside you, for I have
much to say."

He looked at her in silent wonder for a moment, happy beyond words to be
with her, but very anxious as to the reasons which could have brought
her to him at such an hour and quite alone. Her manner was so quiet and
decided that it did not even occur to him to protest against her coming,
and he sat down as she bade him, but on the bench, and she seated
herself in the chair, turning in it so that she could see his face. They
were near enough to speak in low tones.

"My brother Giovanni hates you," she began. "He means to ruin you, if he
can, before my father comes home."

"I am not afraid of him," said Zorzi, speaking for the first time since
she had entered. "Let him do his worst."

"You do not know what his worst is," answered Marietta, "and he has got
Messer Jacopo Contarini to help him. You are surprised? Yes. My
betrothed husband has promised to speak with his father against you, at
once. You know that he is of the Council."

Zorzi's face expressed the utmost astonishment.

"Are you quite sure that it is Jacopo Contarini?" he asked, as if unable
to believe what she said.

"Is it likely that I should be mistaken? My brother was with him this
afternoon at the palace, our gondolier heard them talking on the stairs
as they came down. He told Nella, and she has just told me. Giovanni
heaped all sorts of abuse on you, and Messer Jacopo agreed with all he
said. Then they spoke of arresting you and bringing you to justice, and
they talked of the Council. After that Giovanni met the Governor of
Murano and got into his gondola, and they talked in a low tone. My