Gentle women
are won to believe in them by the subtle polish of those who uphold
them, and the marvelous learning by which their teachers fit themselves
for office. And among them are men noble of character and true of
conscience--but bound, soul and body, by their oath; the system of the
Jesuit schools in Venice is for nothing else but the building up of
their order--at all costs of character or happiness. Let her keep her
little son, for her face seemed wise and tender; the favor which hath
been shown her may have a meaning."
"Will not my father some time come to the palazzo Giustiniani? The Lady
Marina would make him welcome."
"Nay, I thank you," the friar answered, instantly resuming his habitual
reserve. "Such gentle friendships form no part of my duty. I spake but
in friendly counsel. We, from without, see how the home should be more.
The orders are many to maintain the Church--they need no urging--but the
home hath also its privileged domain of childhood to be defended."
XV
With the return of the young people from Rome, gala days had once more
dawned for the Ca' Giustiniani, and the two sumptuous palaces which met
at the bend of the Canal Grande were scenes of perpetual fete.
Pages:
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232