"Is dead."
"A prisoner, Carmelite!"
"A prisoner, Prince of Venice."
There was a pause.
"Hast thou heard of the death of one named Antonio?"
"Signore, yes. By the sacred nature of my holy office, do I affirm that of this crime is Jacopo innocent! I shrived the fisherman."
The Doge turned away, for the truth began to dawn upon him, and the flush which glowed on his aged cheek contained a confession that might not be observed by every eye. He sought the glance of his companion, but his own expression of human feeling was met by the disciplined features of the other, as light is coldly repelled from polished stone.
"Highness!" added a tremulous voice.
"What would'st thou, child?"
"There is a God for the Republic, as well as for the gondolier! Your Highness will turn this great crime from Venice?"