“We will go, then, before the proudest and the most fearful of earth, should there be occasion,” he resumed.  “We will do our duty to both parties, to the oppressor and the oppressed, that the sin of omission lie not on our souls.”

Father Anselmo, without further explanation, led the obedient girl into that part of the palace which was known to be appropriated to the private uses of the titular head of the Republic.

The jealousy of the Venetian patricians on the subject of their Doge is matter of history.  He was, by situation, a puppet in the hands of the nobles, who only tolerated his existence, because the theory of their government required a seeming agent in the imposing ceremonies that formed part of their specious system, and in their intercourse with other states.  He dwelt in his palace like the queen-bee in the hive, pampered and honored to the eye, but in truth devoted to the objects of those who alone possess the power to injure, and perhaps we might add, like the insect named, known for consuming more than a usual portion of the fruits of the common industry.

Father Anselmo was indebted to his own decision, and to the confidence of his manner, for reaching the private apartments of a prince, thus secluded and watched.  He was permitted to pass by various sentinels, who imagined, from his holy calling and calm step, that he was some friar employed in his usual and privileged office.  By this easy, quiet method did the Carmelite and his companion penetrate to the very ante-chamber of the sovereign, a spot that thousands had been defeated in attempting to reach, by means more elaborate.

There were merely two or three drowsy inferior officers of the household in waiting.  One arose quickly at the unexpected appearance of these unknown visitors, expressing, by the surprise and the confusion of his eye, the wonder into which he was thrown by so unlooked-for guests.

“His Highness waits for us, I fear?” simply observed Father Anselmo, who had known how to quiet his concern, in a look of passive courtesy.

“Santa Maria! holy father, you should know best, but——­”

“We will not lose more time in idle words, son, when there has already been this delay—­show us to the closet of his Highness.”

“It is forbidden to usher any, unannounced, into the presence——­”

“Thou seest this is not an ordinary visit.  Go, inform the Doge that the Carmelite he expects, and the youthful maiden, in whom his princely bosom feels so parental an interest, await his pleasure.”

“His Highness has then commanded——­”

“Tell him, moreover, that time presses; for the hour is near when innocence is condemned to suffer.”

The usher was deceived by the gravity and assurance of the monk.  He hesitated, and then throwing open a door, he showed the visitors into an inner room, where he requested them to await his return.  After this, he went on the desired commission to the closet of his master.