“I am neither,” said I; “but I must observe that it is open to a Venetian (if such I were), in a time of profound peace, to enter this State.”

“A comedian!” said the smiling Dominican in a whisper.  I grew red with vexation.

“Sir, sir,” I reproved him, “you are making me a comedian against my will.”

These things, however, being duly inscribed against me, the more severe officer took up his parable.  “The Grand Duke,” he said, “is clement, the Holy Office very patient, but there are bounds.  The laws must in all cases be observed.  In this case I suspect the worst.  Pray, are you two living in sin?”

Virginia cried, “Oh, father!” and the fact was immediately inscribed; but now I was furious.

“You break all bounds—­you who talk of bounds.  You are an abominable man.”

The priest interposed his person and held up his fat hand.  “These prevarications, this violence will not help you.  It is idle to deny the evidence of our eyes, ears, understanding.  You—­a Venetian, a comedian!  I assure you that you are in a very serious position..”

The landlord raised his hands and let them down with a clatter against his thighs.  I was silent, Virginia alarmed, while the officers consulted together in low murmurs, and the priest filled up the rest of his forms out of his own head.  Presently the tall Dominican addressed us over his spectacles as follows:  “You have shown us no reasons whatsoever for believing a word that you say.  Your denial of the relationship in which you obviously stand to one another is extremely flagrant.  Nothing but your youth and the comparative candour of the female stand as your advocates.  Thanks to them, and to them alone, we have decided to be more patient with you than your contumacy deserves.  Pending further inquiries, which, I promise you, shall be made in Venice, you, young man, will be lodged with the Jesuit Fathers; and you, girl, who report yourself as of Siena, will be placed in charge of the nuns of SS.  Maria e Giuseppe sul Prato until you can be safely returned to your nation.  That, let me tell you, will not be until you have shown signs of a less hardened disposition.  You will accompany us at once.  The seal of the Inquisition shall be placed upon your effects, which seem trifling.  The landlord is warned that he stands in danger of legal process.”

Thus were my unhappy prognostications speedily fulfilled!  I was helpless and knew it.  For a second time those whose dignified office it was to personify the charity of our Redeemer showed themselves the least charitable of mankind.  I was chewing the sour cud of these reflections when I heard Virginia thanking the officers for their paternal resolves in her regard.  Strange girl!  She thanked Heaven, on her knees, for their pious mission, promised them remembrance in her prayers, asked to be allowed to kiss their hands.  This being permitted, was performed to my great disgust, who saw myself disbelieved because