"I swear, before God—" he said ... "before God!" He swayed heavily and fell forward.
The artist sprang to his side. As he touched him, his eye fell on the ungloved hand.... Shuddering, he reached over and lifted the glove from the wet breast. He drew it over the hand, covering it from sight.
VI
"You must go!" said Titian sternly.
The young man looked at him dully, almost appealingly. He shook his head. "I have work to do."
Titian lifted an impatient hand. "The people will not permit it—I tell you!" He spoke harshly. "Giorgione is their idol. It has been hard to keep them—this one week! Only my promise that you go at once holds them."
The young man smiled, a little cynically. "Do you think I fear death—I crave it!" His arms fell at his sides.
His companion looked at him intently. "What is your plan?" he asked shortly.