"This comes of human passions!" he said, in a tone between consolation
and reproof. "Such are ever the fruits of crime."
"Father," said Jacopo, with earnestness, "I may deserve the word; but
the angels in Heaven are scarce purer than this weeping girl!"
"I rejoice to hear it. I will believe thee, unfortunate man, and glad am
I that thy soul is relieved from the sin of having corrupted one so
youthful."
The bosom of the prisoner heaved, while Gelsomina shuddered.
"Why hast thou yielded to the weakness of nature, and entered the cell?"
asked the good Carmelite, endeavoring to throw into his eye a reproof,
that the pathos and kindness of his tones contradicted. "Didst thou know
the character of the man thou loved?"
"Immaculate Maria!" exclaimed the girl--"no--no--no--no!"
"And now that thou hast learned the truth, surely thou art no longer the
victim of wayward fancies!"
The gaze of Gelsomina was bewildered, but anguish prevailed over all
other expression. She bowed her head, partly in shame, but more in
sorrow, without answering.
"I know not, children, what end this interview can answer," continued
the monk. "I am sent hither to receive the last confession of a Bravo,
and surely, one who has so much cause to condemn the deception he has
practised, would not wish to hear the details of such a life?"
"No--no--no--" murmured Gelsomina again, enforcing her words with a wild
gesture of the hand.
Pages:
485
486
487
488
489
490
491
492
493
494
495
496
497
498
499
500
501
502
503
504
505
506
507
508
509