Constantine, on his part, looked down into the eyes of his fair kinswoman,knowing her speech was not finished. The slight inclination of his person towardher was intended for encouragement. Indeed, he made no attempt to conceal theinterest possessing him."The Empire may be shorn, even as thou hast said," she resumed presently,in a voice slightly raised. "But is not this city of our fathers by site and manyadvantages as much the capital of the world as ever? A Christian Emperorfounded it, and his name was Constantine; may it not be its perfect restoration isreserved for another Constantine, also a Christian Emperor? Search thy heart, Omy Lord! I have heard how noble impulses are often prophets without voices."Constantine was impressed. From a young person, bred in what were reallyprison walls, the speech was amazing. He was pleased with the opinion she wasevidently forming of himself; he was pleased with the hope she admitted touchingthe Empire; he was pleased with the Christian faith, the strength of mind, thecharacter manifested. Her loyalty to the old Greek regime was unquestionable.The courtiers thought she might at least have made some acknowledgment of hisprincely kindness; but if he thought of the want of form, he passed it; enough forhim that she was a lovely enthusiast. In the uncertainty of the moment, hehesitated; then, descending from the dais, he kissed her hand gracefully,courteously, reverently, and said simply:"May thy hope be God's will."Turning from her, he helped the blind man to his feet, and declared theaudience dismissed.Alone with his secretary, the Grand Logothete, he sat awhile musing."Give ear," he at length said. "Write it, a decree. Fifty thousand gold piecesannually for the maintenance of Manuel and Irene, his daughter."The secretary at the first word became absorbed in studying his master'spurple slippers; then, having a reply, he knelt."Speak," said Constantine."Your Majesty," the secretary responded, "there are not one thousand piecesin the treasury unappropriated.""Are we indeed so poor?"The Emperor sighed, but plucking spirit, went on bravely:"It may be God has reserved for me the restoration, not only of this city, but ofthe Empire. I shall try to deserve the glory. And it may be that noble impulses arespeechless prophets. Let the decree stand. Heaven willing, we will find a way tomake it good."