me, went to the door and opened it. Belviso was outside, pale and
trembling. I sent him for a corporal's guard, at the sound of which
order, before the lad could obey it, the frate rose, howling like a lost
dog, ran swiftly to the window and leapt out into the street. He was not
hurt, apparently, for I heard his howls far down the Via di Citta; and
he must have run like the wind, for when they searched the country half
an hour later there was no sign of him to be seen.

Belviso, who had witnessed this startling end, came trembling out of the
corner of the room with his hands stretched out. He knelt down before
me, his face hidden between his arms.

"Terrible man!" he said, shuddering; "but oh, signore, he has awoken the
God in you. Have no fear, he will trouble you no more."

"I believe not," said I. "On the other hand, he will not find me
Virginia. Get up, Belviso, let us take counsel together. What is your
opinion?"

Belviso, thus adjured, rose to his feet and stood humbly before me. He
was agitated--if by fear, then curiously; but it did not seem to be fear
which put the slurred accents into his voice.

"Senta, Don Francesco," he began, "what Virginia has done was all for
love. She has acted according to her nature--as many would act--as all
would act towards you, who knew your worth. O Dio!" cried the lad
suddenly, gripping his chest with both hands, "O Dio! I would prove my
love in the same sort if I were--if I were not--if you were--if you were
not----" He began to weep piteously.