The Councillor, resenting the reproof, gave a slight cold bow, studying her curiously, and pondering whether he dared go further.
"The matter is of interest," he pursued, after a moment's pause, "for they gave their reason, these monks of Santa Soffia, and scrupled not—being willing to keep their treasure."
"Signore Consiglière——!" Dama Margherita exclaimed beseechingly.
But if the monks of Santa Soffia had a reason for their conduct, he also had for his, and would not be stayed.
"They gave their reason; that the precious gift should not be desecrated to hold relics that were subject to excommunication," he said with painful distinctness, and would not linger for any explanation.
"It is shameful—such a reason so calmly told by a member of our Queen's Council! He should unsay the words!" one of the maids of honor cried hotly. "There could be no color for it: the Signor Fabrici hath proven that he loveth not the Regina!"
"It was unholy speech," said Dama Margherita crossing herself, "which had not been, save for the Consiglière: it hath no shade of truth; may the Holy Madonna forgive him—and us, who have listened to slander."
"Cara Dama Margherita," said the little Contarini consolingly, "if we have listened—it is not with our hearts!"
"Thou art wise, carina: and we who love her will see that the ill word goeth not beyond."
But the speech of the Consiglière had caused such consternation that it could not be immediately dismissed; and one of the elder ladies of the Court was obliged to explain it, for "excommunication" was a word of evil omen.