The
effect of that glance on Jacopo was so powerful that his sinewy frame
shook, until the wondering Carmelite heard the clanking of his chains.
"'Tis enough," he said, struggling to command himself, "Gelsomina, thou
shalt hear my confession. Thou hast long been mistress of one great
secret, none other shall be hid from thee."
"Antonio!" gasped the girl. "Carlo! Carlo! what had that aged fisherman
done that thy hand should seek his life?"
"Antonio!" echoed the monk; "dost thou stand charged with his death, my
son?"
"It is the crime for which I am condemned to die."
The Carmelite sank upon the stool of the prisoner, and sat motionless,
looking with an eye of horror from the countenance of the unmoved Jacopo
to that of his trembling companion. The truth began to dawn upon him,
though his mind was still enveloped in the web of Venetian mystery.
"Here is some horrible mistake!" he whispered. "I will hasten to thy
judges and undeceive them."
The prisoner smiled calmly, as he reached out a hand to arrest the
zealous movement of the simple Carmelite.
"'Twill be useless," he said; "it is the pleasure of the Three that I
should suffer for old Antonio's death."
"Then wilt thou die unjustly! I am a witness that he fell by other
hands."
"Father!" shrieked Gelsomina, "oh! repeat the words; say that Carlo
could not do the cruel deed!"
"Of that murder, at least, he is innocent.
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