I know not the reason, but to me thou hast ever seemed to feel
the hope with which thou hast cheered the prisoner; while now, thou
seemest to have even a frightful pleasure in despair."
"Thy fears deceive thee," returned the Bravo, scarce speaking above his
breath. "Thy fears deceive thee, and we will say no more. The senate
mean to do us justice, at last. They are honorable Signori, of
illustrious birth, and renowned names! 'Twould be madness to distrust
the patricians! Dost thou not know, girl, that he who is born of gentle
blood is above the weaknesses and temptations that beset us of base
origin! They are men placed by birth above the weaknesses of mortals,
and owing their account to none, they will be sure to do justice. This
is reasonable, and who can doubt it!"
As he ended, the Bravo laughed bitterly.
"Nay, now thou triflest with me, Carlo; none are above the danger of
doing wrong, but those whom the saints and kind Maria favor."
"This comes of living in a prison, and of saying thy prayers night and
morning! No--no--silly girl, there are men in the world born wise, from
generation to generation; born honest, virtuous, brave, incorruptible,
and fit in all things to shut up and imprison those who are born base
and ignoble. Where hast thou passed thy days, foolish Gelsomina, not to
have felt this truth in the very air thou breathest? 'Tis clear as the
sun's light, and palpable--aye--palpable as these prison walls!"
The timid girl recoiled from his side, and there was a moment when she
meditated flight; for never before, during their numberless and
confidential interviews, had she ever heard so bitter a laugh, or seen
so wild a gleam in the eye of her companion.
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