I understand your feelings, and will
make sure of your being secret, and Blessed Maria will pardon a greater
sin than any you have committed here."
While the ladies were wondering, at witnessing such proofs of delicacy
and feeling in so singular a place, the girl withdrew.
"I had not expected this in a prison!" exclaimed Violetta.
"As all is not noble or just in a palace, neither is all to be condemned
unheard, that we find in a prison. But this is, in sooth, an
extraordinary girl for her condition, and we are indebted to blessed St.
Theodore (crossing herself) for putting her in our way."
"Can we do better than by making her a confidante and a friend?"
The governess was older, and less disposed than her pupil to confide in
appearances. But the more ardent mind and superior rank of the latter
had given her an influence that the former did not always successfully
resist. Gelsomina returned before there was time to discuss the prudence
of what Violetta had proposed.
"Thou hast a father, Gelsomina?" asked the Venetian heiress, taking the
hand of the gentle girl, as she put her question.
"Holy Maria be praised! I have still that happiness."
"It is a happiness--for surely a father would not have the heart to sell
his own child to ambition and mercenary hopes! And thy mother?"
"Has long been bed-ridden, lady. I believe we should not have been here,
but we have no other place so suitable for her sufferings as this jail.
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