This vision of
the lady was doubtless wrought by unwise tampering, being a vision of a
nature that may gain credence with women--dependent and timid and
unversed in law--but with which men and rulers have nothing to do."
An expression of relief slowly grew upon the faces before him while the
Doge was speaking; noting which his words were allowed to produce their
full effect during the few moments of relaxation and informal talk,
which, as was immediately announced by a secretary, would occupy the
time until the return of the three senators--all meanwhile keeping their
seats that no moment might be lost in resuming the important interrupted
debate.
The strain had been so great, both during the discussion and the visit
of the Lady Marina, that there was a willingness among the senators to
unbend, to throw aside serious impressions and make light of all dread,
as womanish and weak, accepting the Doge's words as leaders. For in
those days the faith of many of the gravest walked only a little way
from the borderland of superstition; and it was long since any of their
princes had held so great a reputation for judgment and diplomacy as
Leonardo Donato.
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