midday
`` Let the refection be brought . '' The friars exchanged glances of astonishment and dismay as a dish of fruit and of white bread were brought forward by two of the ducal guards , on a costly salver wrought with the arms of Venice . It was like the simple refreshment they had often carried to Fra Paolo 's cell when he had been absorbed by some train of thought , which , according to his wont , he would not suspend for any hour of sleep or meals until the problem had been conquered . Fra Giulio trembled ; he would have said those were the very grapes he had chosen to tempt Fra Paolo 's slender appetite , -- white , with the veins of purple , -- all as he had left them on his desk that day , with the plate of fine white bread , when the midday meal was served -- but in no lordly dish . A faint cry escaped Fra Antonio , and he put his hands before his face . There was a moment of breathless silence ; but no compassion anywhere upon all those strained and eager faces , except in the eyes of Fra Paolo , which seemed divine in pity , as he drew nearer the guilty man and put his arm about him to steady him . `` These , '' said the Chief of the Ten , `` fine grapes and wheaten bread , exquisitely flavored with a most precious powder , thou shalt presently enjoy in this presence , -- with the compliments of the Signoria , who have most carefully considered this repast , -- unless thou dost instantly make frank and full confession of thy deed and thine accomplices .