But thou art distressed and needing rest, from the
pain of the vision which thou hast confided to us. We will care for
thee, as a father should.
"Let the noble Senator Marcantonio Giustiniani approach and conduct his
lady to private apartments within our palace, where she may rest, with
her maidens, until she shall be refreshed. One of our secretaries shall
show the way and remain to see that every aid is bestowed."
The secretary whom the Doge had designated by a glance had approached
and received a rapid order, spoken in an undertone; Marina had fallen,
almost fainting, upon her husband's arm, as he reached her after the
permission so intolerably delayed, yet he dared not move in that
imperious presence without further bidding. His hand stole over hers to
comfort her. She had suffered so much that he could not be angry.
Leonardo Donato's eyes quickly scanned the faces of the senators,
seeking the two least sympathetic.
"The Senators Morosini and Sagredo will escort them," he said, "and will
return in haste with the Senator Giustiniani to do their duty to the
Republic.
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