Fra Paolo drew back his hand, and his tone was a shade less tender.
"Of all that hath been reposed in thee under that sacred seal thou must
bear the burden alone."
"My brother, dost thou think I can forget my vow?" Fra Francesco
exclaimed, reproachfully. "I spake not of that which hath been reposed
in me, but of my duty growing out of that sacred office. It was for this
I wanted counsel, and I had sought thee before to pray thee to confess
me; but I know thy views and I ask thee not."
"Yet as brothers of one holy order thou mayest confide in me, if
perchance it may bring thee comfort. For us of the Servi it is our duty
of service."
Fra Francesco sat for a moment in silence. "Life is heavy," he said
slowly, "and hard to interpret. Yet I seem to feel that thou wilt
understand, though it be in the very matter of our difference. There is
one--highly placed and noble in spirit, and to the Church a most devoted
daughter--who cometh to me for teaching in this matter of the interdict.
She asketh of me all its meaning--what it shall bring to Venice?"
"Thou tell her, then, it shall bring naught.
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