"
"Stay!" exclaimed the half-stifled old man. "Is this true that thou
tellest me, girl:--Father, can it be so!"
"Signore, I have said all that truth and my conscience have prompted."
The prince seemed bewildered, turning his look from the motionless girl
to the equally immovable member of the Three.
"Come hither, child," he said, his voice trembling as he spoke. "Come
hither, that I may bless thee." Gelsomina sprang forward, and knelt at
the feet of her sovereign. Father Anselmo never uttered a clearer or
more fervent benediction than that which fell from the lips of the
Prince of Venice. He raised the daughter of the prison-keeper, and
motioned for both his visitors to withdraw. Gelsomina willingly
complied, for her heart was already in the cell of Jacopo, in the
eagerness to communicate her success; but the Carmelite lingered to cast
a look behind, like one better acquainted with the effects of worldly
policy, when connected with the interests of those who pervert
governments to the advantage of the privileged. As he passed through the
door, however, he felt his hopes revive, for he saw the aged prince,
unable any longer to suppress his feelings, hastening towards his still
silent companion, with both hands extended, eyes moistening with tears,
and a look that betrayed the emotions of one anxious to find relief in
human sympathies.
CHAPTER XXXI.
"On--on--
It Is our knell, or that of Venice.
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