She had barely leftMissirilli before he began to
feel that his conduct was barbarous.
Pietro fell at her feet; Vanina was radiant with
joy. Evidently the roomwas occupied; but by whom? Never have you seemed so adorable,
she cried; yes, my littlecountry surgeon, I am yours for ever.
TheDuke treated her as one of his family rather
than as a servant.
The Prince appearedill at ease, and said but
little.
Very well, said Vanina coldly, and where are you
going? She stole on tiptoe to the window, which was still open.
Vanina could not conceive any common reason for
hertrouble. Come and see me, and if God is to call me toHimself, I shall die happy
in your arms.
The wretched woman shed a torrent of blood, and at
lengthfell down dead.
The Duke had the two bodies flung into a sewer that
ran by theprison. I know nothing: for the last three weeks and more I have not
spokento Marcello. Towards midnight a report ran through the ball-room, which
causedquite a stir.
The pride of the young Princess contested every
inch of ground. All this had taken a long time on account of the guards, whowere
made to leave the room each time. She had no longer any doubt that it was a woman.
The Popes only answer was:And the Duchess, what have they done with
her?
Principe Don Asdrubale approached his
daughter.
Be careful to come in again before daybreak; I
shall be waiting foryou. KingPhilips order was evidently that they should be put to
death.
Then, on these two gentlemensapproaching her, she
observed that they were not acting in concert.
When they were ableto talk reasonably:I shall be in
the Romagna almost as soon as you, said Vanina.
I know nothing: for the last three weeks and more I
have not spokento Marcello. Italy, thou artindeed unfortunate, if thy sons forsake
thee for so slight a cause!
Vaninas heart beat violently; the strangers manner
seemed to hermost distinguished.
Our venuta was surprised; I wasbrought, in chains,
from the Romagna to Rome. The learned historian confuses the father with the son. If
she was guilty,by this act of vanity she cast herself into hell.