A long silence followed; tearsfilled the strangers
eyes. My fatherdoes not do justice to his loyalty; I am going to send for him. With
what joy would I setsail with you to go and live in America.
As itwas possible that the man did really know
nothing, he was sent back toprison. Ah, if I go, she will forgetme, and I shall lose
her for ever. Then, on these two gentlemensapproaching her, she observed that they
were not acting in concert. My lot henceforward is to dare all, Vanina continued
with a sigh. Inside the room was a bed, and somebody in thebed. What woman is there
who has never had more than one lover?
The night was already far advanced when the Duke
ordered in MarcelloCapecce. I swear to keep your secret, and, if youinsist on it, I
will never come again.
Nextday, Vanina ventured to hide on the little
terrace before her fathercame upstairs.
Italy, thou artindeed unfortunate, if thy sons
forsake thee for so slight a cause! Theyhad to reply to fourteen separate
charges.
My lot henceforward is to dare all, Vanina
continued with a sigh. Once, about midnight, he thought he could see someone inthe
dark on the terrace: was it Vanina?
That night,they all met at a certain hermitage in
the woods. Missi-rilli responded to thesetears like a man preoccupied with other
things. Missirilli made haste to bind himself by this utterance.
If you love me, said Vanina as she left her, you
will see asurgeon.
I am going to send to fetch him, replied Vanina.
She said to herself:The carbonari have had several thousands from me.
Once, about midnight, he thought he could see
someone inthe dark on the terrace: was it Vanina?
All this had taken a long time on account of the
guards, whowere made to leave the room each time. There is nothing to be done for
the present, he said finally. That night,they all met at a certain hermitage in the
woods.
The guards were called and strung him up once more;
after along spell, he asked to be let down.
After the man had left them, Pietro remained
pensive for a momentonly. After making this statement, the Captain was taken back to
prison. The carabinieri hadmanaged to convey ten to the prison of the
citadel.
I am going to die, and indespair, since I shall not
see you again. I feel very ill: for some days this bayonet wound in myshoulder has
prevented me from breathing. Acharitable soul conceived the idea of helping me to
escape.