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"It was in the matter of the Uscocks," Donato answered, after a moment's
hesitation, seeing that some were waiting for the story. "And it was the
second time that half-civilized tribe hath provoked disputes between two
most Christian nations. 'If I were Pope,' said the cardinal, 'I would
excommunicate both Doge and Senate!'"
Fra Paolo scrutinized the faces of the listeners, and fixed his gaze
searchingly on the speaker. There was an uneasy movement among the
company, but Leonardo Donate did not flinch.
"May they not know your answer, most noble Signor?" Morosini urged.
"For, verily, it was of a quality to illumine a page of history."
"The words were few," said Leonardo, with dignity. "'_If I were Doge, I
would trample your edict under foot_.'"
There was a sudden hush, in which those who had not been listening
became intensely conscious of the words just uttered by the aged and
illustrious Cavaliere Leonardo Donate, for there had been of late an
abiding undercurrent of suppressed excitement ready to awake at any
mention of Papal supremacy.


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