"
Then, grieving so to cross her in her weakness and pain, with all his
tenderness in his voice, he hastened to atone for the firmness of the
declaration which had sufficiently proved his staunchness.
"Marina, thou and I--were we not Giustiniani--more than all other
Venetians owe our loyalty in time of stress; and for love of thee,
beloved, shall Venice find me faithful in her need--I and all my
household true, and all my fortune hers in service, if need should
be--as thus I vowed, before them all, on that day when the Senate gave
thee to me and made thee the sweetest patrician lady in all the land. We
will not fail them, beloved!"
He clasped her close, holding her firmly, as if to infuse her with his
faith. "All blessings are for those who do the right, Marina; we need
not fear."
Never had she seen his face so inspired, so masterful, so tender; it was
a revelation. The whole of their beautiful love story was written on it,
mastering all the traditions of Venice, yet binding him more closely to
the service of his country.
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