"Father, the Republic!"
"Is St. Mark in jeopardy, that females and priests are summoned to aid him?"
"There are officials of the state below, who demand admission in the name of the Republic?"
"This grows serious," said Don Camillo, who alone retained his self-possession. "My visit is known, and the active jealousy of the state anticipates its object. Summon your resolution, Donna Violetta, and you, father, be of heart! I will assume the responsibility of the offence, if offence it be, and exonerate all others from censure."
"Forbid it, Father Anselmo. Dearest Florinda, we will share his punishment!" exclaimed the terrified Violetta, losing all self-command in the fear of such a moment. "He has not been guilty of this indiscretion without participation of mine; he has not presumed beyond his encouragement."
The monk and Donna Florinda regarded each other in mute amazement, and haply there was some admixture of feeling in the look that denoted the uselessness of caution when the passions were intent to elude the vigilance of those who were merely prompted by prudence. The former simply motioned for silence, while he turned to the domestic.
"Of what character are these ministers of the state?" he demanded.
"Father, they are its known officers, and wear the badges of their condition."
"And their request?"
"Is to be admitted to the presence of the Donna Violetta."