Themoonlightglistenedupontracesofthegildingwhichhadoncecoveredbothriderandsteed；thesewerealmostgone，buttheaspectofdignitywasstillperfect，clothingthefigureasitwerewithanimperialrobeoflight。Itisthemostmajesticrepresentationofthekinglycharacterthatevertheworldhasseen。Asightoftheoldheathenemperorisenoughtocreateanevanescentsentimentofloyaltyeveninademocraticbosom，soaugustdoeshelook，sofittorule，soworthyofman\'sprofoundesthomageandobedience，soinevitablyattractiveofhislove。
Hestretchesforthhishandwithanairofgrandbeneficenceandunlimitedauthority，asifutteringadecreefromwhichnoappealwaspermissible，butinwhichtheobedientsubjectwouldfindhishighestinterestsconsulted；acommandthatwasinitselfabenediction。
\"Thesculptorofthisstatueknewwhatakingshouldbe，\"observedKenyon，\"andknew，likewise，theheartofmankind，andhowitcravesatrueruler，underwhatevertitle，asachilditsfather\"
\"O，iftherewerebutonesuchmanasthis？\"exclaimedMiriam。\"Onesuchmaninanage，andoneinalltheworld；thenhowspeedilywouldthestrife，wickedness，andsorrowofuspoorcreaturesberelieved。Wewouldcometohimwithourgriefs，whatevertheymightbe，——evenapoor，frailwomanburdenedwithherheavyheart，——andlaythemathisfeet，andneverneedtotakethemupagain。Therightfulkingwouldseetoall。\"
\"Whatanideaoftheregalofficeandduty！\"saidKenyon，withasmile。
\"Itisawoman\'sideaofthewholemattertoperfection。ItisHilda\'s，too，nodoubt？\"
\"No，\"answeredthequietHilda；\"Ishouldneverlookforsuchassistancefromanearthlyking。\"
\"Hilda，myreligiousHilda，\"whisperedMiriam，suddenlydrawingthegirlclosetoher，\"doyouknowhowitiswithme？IwouldgiveallIhaveorhope——mylife，Ohowfreely——foroneinstantofyourtrustinGod！Youlittleguessmyneedofit。Youreallythink，then，thatHeseesandcaresforus？\"
\"Miriam，youfrightenme。\"
\"Hush，hush？donotletthemhearyet！\"whisperedMiriam。\"Ifrightenyou，yousay；forHeaven\'ssake，how？AmIstrange？Isthereanythingwildinmybehavior？\"
\"Onlyforthatmoment，\"repliedHilda，\"becauseyouseemedtodoubtGod\'sprovidence。\"
\"Wewilltalkofthatanothertime，\"saidherfriend。\"Justnowitisverydarktome。\"
OntheleftofthePiazzaoftheCampidoglio，asyoufacecityward，andattheheadofthelongandstatelyflightofstepsdescendingfromtheCapitolineHilltotheleveloflowerRome，thereisanarrowlaneorpassage。Intothisthepartyofourfriendsnowturned。Thepathascendedalittle，andranalongunderthewallsofapalace，butsoonpassedthroughagateway，andterminatedinasmallpavedcourtyard。Itwasborderedbyalowparapet。
Thespot，forsomereasonorother，impressedthemasexceedinglylonely。
Ononesidewasthegreatheightofthepalace，withthemoonshinefallingoverit，andshowingallthewindowsbarredandshuttered。Notahumaneyecouldlookdownintothelittlecourtyard，eveniftheseeminglydesertedpalacehadatenant。Onallothersidesofitsnarrowcompasstherewasnothingbuttheparapet，whichasitnowappearedwasbuiltrightontheedgeofasteepprecipice。Gazingfromitsimminentbrow，thepartybeheldacrowdedconfusionofroofsspreadingoverthewholespacebetweenthemandthelineofhillsthatlaybeyondtheTiber。A
long，mistywreath，justdenseenoughtocatchalittleofthemoonshine，floatedabovethehouses，midwaytowardsthehillyline，andshowedthecourseoftheunseenriver。Farawayontheright，themoongleamedonthedomeofSt。Peter\'saswellasonmanylesserandnearerdomes。
\"Whatabeautifulviewofthecity！\"exclaimedHilda；\"andIneversawRomefromthispointbefore。\"
\"Itoughttoaffordagoodprospect，\"saidthesculptor；\"foritwasfromthispoint——atleastweareatlibertytothinkso，ifwechoose——thatmanyafamousRomancaughthislastglimpseofhisnativecity，andofallotherearthlythings。ThisisoneofthesidesoftheTarpeianRock。
Lookovertheparapet，andseewhatasheertumbletheremightstillbeforatraitor，inspiteofthethirtyfeetofsoilthathaveaccumulatedatthefootoftheprecipice。\"
Theyallbentover，andsawthattheclifffellperpendicularlydownwardtoaboutthedepth，orrathermore，atwhichthetallpalaceroseinheightabovetheirheads。Notthatitwasstillthenatural，shaggyfrontoftheoriginalprecipice；foritappearedtobecasedinancientstonework，throughwhichtheprimevalrockshoweditsfacehereandtheregrimlyanddoubtfully。Mossesgrewontheslightprojections，andlittleshrubssproutedoutofthecrevices，butcouldnotmuchsoftenthesternaspectofthecliff。BrightlyastheItalianmoonlightfelladowntheheight，itscarcelyshowedwhatportionofitwasman\'sworkandwhatwasnature\'s，butleftitallinverymuchthesamekindofambiguityandhalf-knowledgeinwhichantiquariansgenerallyleavetheidentityofRomanremains。
Theroofsofsomepoor-lookinghouses，whichhadbeenbuiltagainstthebaseandsidesofthecliff，rosenearlymidwaytothetop；butfromanangleoftheparapettherewasaprecipitousplungestraightdownwardintoastonepavedcourt。
\"IpreferthistoanyothersiteashavingbeenveritablytheTraitor\'sLeap，\"saidKenyon，\"becauseitwassoconvenienttotheCapitol。ItwasanadmirableideaofthosesternoldfellowstoflingtheirpoliticalcriminalsdownfromtheverysummitonwhichstoodtheSenateHouseandJove\'sTemple，emblemsoftheinstitutionswhichtheysoughttoviolate。
Itsymbolizeshowsuddenwasthefallinthosedaysfromtheutmostheightofambitiontoitsprofoundestruin。\"
\"Come，come；itismidnight，\"criedanotherartist，\"toolatetobemoralizinghere。Weareliterallydreamingontheedgeofaprecipice。
Letusgohome。\"
\"Itistime，indeed，\"saidHilda。
ThesculptorwasnotwithouthopesthathemightbefavoredwiththesweetchargeofescortingHildatothefootofhertower。Accordingly，whenthepartypreparedtoturnback，heofferedherhisarm。Hildaatfirstacceptedit；butwhentheyhadpartlythreadedthepassagebetweenthelittlecourtyardandthePiazzadelCampidoglio，shediscoveredthatMiriamhadremainedbehind。
\"Imustgoback，\"saidshe，withdrawingherarmfromKenyon\'s；\"butpraydonotcomewithme。SeveraltimesthiseveningIhavehadafancythatMiriamhadsomethingonhermind，somesorroworperplexity，which，perhaps，itwouldrelievehertotellmeabout。No，no；donotturnback！
DonatellowillbeasufficientguardianforMiriamandme。\"
Thesculptorwasagooddealmortified，andperhapsalittleangry：butheknewHilda\'smoodofgentledecisionandindependencetoowellnottoobeyher。Hethereforesufferedthefearlessmaidentoreturnalone。
MeanwhileMiriamhadnotnoticedthedepartureoftherestofthecompany；
sheremainedontheedgeoftheprecipiceandDonatelloalongwithher。
\"Itwouldbeafatalfall，still，\"shesaidtoherself，lookingovertheparapet，andshudderingashereyemeasuredthedepth。\"Yes；surelyyes！
Evenwithouttheweightofanoverburdenedheart，ahumanbodywouldfallheavilyenoughuponthosestonestoshakeallitsjointsasunder。Howsoonitwouldbeover！\"
Donatello，ofwhosepresenceshewaspossiblynotaware，nowpressedclosertoherside；andhe，too，likeMiriam，bentoverthelowparapetandtrembledviolently。Yetheseemedtofeelthatperilousfascinationwhichhauntsthebrowofprecipices，temptingtheunwaryonetoflinghimselfoverfortheveryhorrorofthething；for，afterdrawinghastilyback，heagainlookeddown，thrustinghimselfoutfartherthanbefore。Hethenstoodsilentabriefspace，struggling，perhaps，tomakehimselfconsciousofthehistoricassociationsofthescene。
\"Whatareyouthinkingof，Donatello？\"askedMiriam。
\"Whoarethey，\"saidhe，lookingearnestlyinherface，\"whohavebeenflungoverhereindaysgoneby？\"
\"Menthatcumberedtheworld，\"shereplied。\"Menwhoseliveswerethebaneoftheirfellowcreatures。Menwhopoisonedtheair，whichisthecommonbreathofall，fortheirownselfishpurposes。TherewasshortworkwithsuchmeninoldRomantimes。Justinthemomentoftheirtriumph，ahand，asofanavenginggiant，clutchedthem，anddashedthewretchesdownthisprecipice。\"
\"Wasitwelldone？\"askedtheyoungman。
\"Itwaswelldone，\"answeredMiriam；\"innocentpersonsweresavedbythedestructionofaguiltyone，whodeservedhisdoom。\"
Whilethisbriefconversationpassed，Donatellohadonceortwiceglancedasidewithawatchfulair，justasahoundmayoftenbeseentotakesidelongnoteofsomesuspiciousobject，whilehegiveshismoredirectattentiontosomethingnearerat，hand。Miriamseemednowfirsttobecomeawareofthesilencethathadfolloweduponthecheerfultalkandlaughterofafewmomentsbefore。
Lookinground，sheperceivedthatallhercompanyofmerryfriendshadretired，andHilda，too，inwhosesoftandquietpresenceshehadalwaysanindescribablefeelingofsecurity。Allgone；andonlyherselfandDonatellolefthangingoverthebrowoftheominousprecipice。
Notso，however；notentirelyalone！Inthebasementwallofthepalace，shadedfromthemoon，therewasadeep，emptyniche，thathadprobablyoncecontainedastatue；notempty，either；forafigurenowcameforthfromitandapproachedMiriam。Shemusthavehadcausetodreadsomeunspeakableevilfromthisstrangepersecutor，andtoknowthatthiswastheverycrisisofhercalamity；forashedrewnear，suchacold，sickdespaircreptoverherthatitimpededherbreath，andbenumbedhernaturalpromptitudeofthought。Miriamseemeddreamilytorememberfallingonherknees；but，inherwholerecollectionofthatwildmoment，shebeheldherselfasinadimshow，andcouldnotwelldistinguishwhatwasdoneandsuffered；no，notevenwhethershewerereallyanactorandsuffererinthescene。
Hilda，meanwhile，hadseparatedherselffromthesculptor，andturnedbacktorejoinherfriend。Atadistance，shestillheardthemirthofherlatecompanions，whoweregoingdownthecitywarddescentoftheCapitolineHill；theyhadsetupanewstaveofmelody，inwhichherownsoftvoice，aswellasthepowerfulsweetnessofMiriam\'s，wassadlymissed。
Thedoorofthelittlecourtyardhadswunguponitshinges，andpartlycloseditself。Hildawhosenativegentlenesspervadedallhermovements
wasquietlyopeningit，whenshewasstartled，midway，bythenoiseofastrugglewithin，beginningandendingallinonebreathlessinstant。
Alongwithit，orcloselysucceedingit，wasaloud，fearfulcry，whichquiveredupwardthroughtheair，andsankquiveringdownwardtotheearth。
Then，asilence！PoorHildahadlookedintothecourt-yard，andsawthewholequickpassageofadeed，whichtookbutthatlittletimetograveitselfintheeternaladamant。
CHAPTERXIX
THEFAUN\'STRANSFORMATION
Thedoorofthecourtyardswungslowly，andcloseditselfofitsownaccord。MiriamandDonatellowerenowalonethere。Sheclaspedherhands，andlookedwildlyattheyoungman，whoseformseemedtohavedilated，andwhoseeyesblazedwiththefierceenergythathadsuddenlyinspiredhim。Ithadkindledhimintoaman；ithaddevelopedwithinhimanintelligencewhichwasnonativecharacteristicoftheDonatellowhomwehaveheretoforeknown。Butthatsimpleandjoyouscreaturewasgoneforever。
\"Whathaveyoudone？\"saidMiriam，inahorror-strickenwhisper。
TheglowofragewasstillluridonDonatello\'sface，andnowflashedoutagainfromhiseyes。
\"Ididwhatoughttobedonetoatraitor！\"hereplied。\"Ididwhatyoureyesbademedo，whenIaskedthemwithmine，asIheldthewretchovertheprecipice！\"
TheselastwordsstruckMiriamlikeabullet。Coulditbeso？Hadhereyesprovokedorassentedtothisdeed？Shehadnotknownit。But，alas！
lookingbackintothefrenzyandturmoilofthescenejustacted，shecouldnotdeny——shewasnotsurewhetheritmightbeso，orno——thatawildjoyhadflamedupinherheart，whenshebeheldherpersecutorinhismortalperil。Wasithorror？——orecstasy？orbothinone？Betheemotionwhatitmight，ithadblazedupmoremadly，whenDonatelloflunghisvictimoffthecliff，andmoreandmore，whilehisshriekwentquiveringdownward。Withthedeadthumpuponthestonesbelowhadcomeanunutterablehorror。
\"Andmyeyesbadeyoudoit！\"repeatedshe。
Theybothleanedovertheparapet，andgazeddownwardasearnestlyasifsomeinestimabletreasurehadfallenover，andwereyetrecoverable。Onthepavementbelowwasadarkmass，lyinginaheap，withlittleornothinghumaninitsappearance，exceptthatthehandswerestretchedout，asiftheymighthaveclutchedforamomentatthesmallsquarestones。
Buttherewasnomotioninthemnow。Miriamwatchedtheheapofmortalitywhileshecouldcountahundred，whichshetookpainstodo。Nostir；
notafingermoved！
\"Youhavekilledhim，Donatello！Heisquitedead！\"saidshe。\"Stonedead！WouldIwereso，too！\"
\"Didyounotmeanthatheshoulddie？\"sternlyaskedDonatello，stillintheglowofthatintelligencewhichpassionhaddevelopedinhim。\"Therewasshorttimetoweighthematter；buthehadhistrialinthatbreathortwowhileIheldhimoverthecliff，andhissentenceinthatoneglance，whenyoureyesrespondedtomine！SaythatIhaveslainhimagainstyourwill，——saythathediedwithoutyourwholeconsent，——and，inanotherbreath，youshallseemelyingbesidehim。\"
\"O，never！\"criedMiriam。\"Myone，ownfriend！Never，never，never！\"
Sheturnedtohim，——theguilty，bloodstained，lonelywoman，——sheturnedtoherfellowcriminal，theyouth，solatelyinnocent，whomshehaddrawnintoherdoom。Shepressedhimclose，closetoherbosom，withaclingingembracethatbroughttheirtwoheartstogether，tillthehorrorandagonyofeachwascombinedintooneemotion，andthatakindofrapture。
\"Yes，Donatello，youspeakthetruth！\"saidshe；\"myheartconsentedtowhatyoudid。Wetwoslewyonderwretch。Thedeedknotsustogether，fortimeandeternity，likethecoilofaserpent！\"
Theythrewoneotherglanceattheheapofdeathbelow，toassurethemselvesthatitwasthere；solikeadreamwasthewholething。Thentheyturnedfromthatfatalprecipice，andcameoutofthecourtyard，arminarm，heartinheart。Instinctively，theywereheedfulnottoseverthemselvessomuchasapaceortwofromoneanother，forfearoftheterroranddeadlychillthatwouldthenceforthwaitforthemmsolitude。
Theirdeed——thecrimewhichDonatellowrought，andMiriamacceptedontheinstant——hadwreatheditself，asshesaid，likeaserpent，ininextricablelinksaboutboththeirsouls，anddrewthemintoone，byitsterriblecontractilepower。Itwascloserthanamarriagebond。Sointimate，inthosefirstmoments，wastheunion，thatitseemedasiftheirnewsympathyannihilatedallotherties，andthattheywerereleasedfromthechainofhumanity；anewsphere，aspeciallaw，hadbeencreatedforthemalone。Theworldcouldnotcomenearthem；theyweresafe！
WhentheyreachedtheflightofstepsleadingdownwardfromtheCapitol，therewasafaroffnoiseofsingingandlaughter。Swift，indeed，hadbeentherushofthecrisisthatwascomeandgone！Thiswasstillthemerrimentofthepartythathadsorecentlybeentheircompanions。Theyrecognizedthevoiceswhich，alittlewhileago，hadaccordedandsungincadencewiththeirown。Buttheywerefamiliarvoicesnomore；theysoundedstrangely，and，asitwere，outofthedepthsofspace；soremotewasallthatpertainedtothepastlifeoftheseguiltyones，inthemoralseclusionthathadsuddenlyextendeditselfaroundthem。Buthowclose，andevercloser，didthebreathoftheimmeasurablewaste，thatlaybetweenthemandallbrotherhoodorsisterhood，nowpressthemonewithintheother！
\"Ofriend！\"criedMiriam，soputtinghersoulintothewordthatittookaheavyrichnessofmeaning，andseemednevertohavebeenspokenbefore，\"Ofriend，areyouconscious，asIam，ofthiscompanionshiPthatknitsourheart-stringstogether？\"
\"Ifeelit，Miriam，\"saidDonatello。\"Wedrawonebreath；weliveonelife！\"
\"Onlyyesterday，\"continuedMiriam；\"nay，onlyashorthalf-hourago，I
shiveredinanicysolitude。Nofriendship，nosisterhood，couldcomenearenoughtokeepthewarmthwithinmyheart。Inaninstantallischanged！Therecanbenomoreloneliness！\"
\"None，Miriam！\"saidDonatello。
\"None，mybeautifulone！\"respondedMiriam，gazinginhisface，whichhadtakenahigher，almostanheroicaspect，fromthestrengthofpassion。
\"None，myinnocentone！Surely，itisnocrimethatwehavecommitted。
Onewretchedandworthlesslifehasbeensacrificedtocementtwootherlivesforevermore。\"
\"Forevermore，Miriam！\"saidDonatello；\"cementedwithhisblood！\"
Theyoungmanstartedatthewordwhichhehadhimselfspoken；itmaybethatitbroughthome，tothesimplicityofhisimagination，whathehadnotbeforedreamedof，——theever-increasingloathsomenessofaunionthatconsistsinguilt。Cementedwithblood，whichwouldcorruptandgrowmorenoisomeforeverandforever，butbindthemnonethelessstrictlyforthat。
\"Forgetit！Castitallbehindyou！\"saidMiriam，detecting，byhersympathy，thepangthatwasinhisheart。\"Thedeedhasdoneitsoffice，andhasnoexistenceanymore。\"
Theyflungthepastbehindthem，asshecounselled，orelsedistilledfromitafiery，intoxication，whichsufficedtocarrythemtriumphantlythroughthosefirstmomentsoftheirdoom。Forguilthasitsmomentofrapturetoo。Theforemostresultofabrokenlawiseveranecstaticsenseoffreedom。Andthusthereexhaledupwardoutoftheirdarksympathy，atthebaseofwhichlayahumancorpseabliss，oraninsanity，whichtheunhappypairimaginedtobewellworththesleepyinnocencethatwasforeverlosttothem。
Astheirspiritsrosetothesolemnmadnessoftheoccasion，theywentonward，notstealthily，notfearfully，butwithastatelygaitandaspect。
Passionlentthemasitdoestomeanershapesitsbriefnobilityofcarriage。TheytrodthroughthestreetsofRome，asifthey，too，wereamongthemajesticandguiltyshadows，that，fromageslonggoneby，havehauntedtheblood-stainedcity。And，atMiriam\'ssuggestion，theyturnedaside，forthesakeoftreadingloftilypasttheoldsiteofPompey\'sForum。
\"Fortherewasagreatdeeddonehere！\"shesaid，——\"adeedofbloodlikeours！Whoknowsbutwemaymeetthehighandever-sadfraternityofCaesar\'smurderers，andexchangeasalutation？\"
\"Aretheyourbrethren，now？\"askedDonatello。
\"Yes；allofthem，\"saidMiriam，——\"andmanyanother，whomtheworldlittledreamsof，hasbeenmadeourbrotheroroursister，bywhatwehavedonewithinthishour！\"
Andatthethoughtsheshivered。Wherethenwastheseclusion，theremoteness，thestrange，lonesomeParadise，intowhichsheandheronecompanionhadbeentransportedbytheircrime？Wasthere，indeed，nosuchrefuge，butonlyacrowdedthoroughfareandjostlingthrongofcriminals？
Andwasittrue，thatwhateverhandhadablood-stainonit，——orhadpouredoutpoison，——orstrangledababeatitsbirth，——orclutchedagrandsire\'sthroat，hesleeping，androbbedhimofhisfewlastbreaths，——hadnowtherighttoofferitselfinfellowshipwiththeirtwohands？
Toocertainly，thatrightexisted。Itisaterriblethought，thatanindividualwrong-doingmeltsintothegreatmassofhumancrime，andmakesus，whodreamedonlyofourownlittleseparatesin，——makesusguiltyofthewhole。AndthusMiriamandherloverwerenotaninsulatedpair，butmembersofaninnumerableconfraternityofguiltyones，allshudderingateachother。
\"Butnotnow；notyet，\"shemurmuredtoherself。\"To-night，atleast，thereshallbenoremorse！\"
Wanderingwithoutapurpose，itsochancedthattheyturnedintoastreet，atoneextremityofwhichstoodHilda\'stower。Therewasalightinherhighchamber；alight，too，attheVirgin\'sshrine；andtheglimmerofthesetwowastheloftiestlightbeneaththestars。MiriamdrewDonatello\'sarm，tomakehimstop，andwhiletheystoodatsomedistancelookingatHilda\'swindow，theybeheldherapproachandthrowitopen。
Sheleanedfarforth，andextendedherclaspedhandstowardsthesky。
\"Thegood，purechild！Sheispraying，Donatello，\"saidMiriam，withakindofsimplejoyatwitnessingthedevoutnessofherfriend。Thenherownsinrusheduponher，andsheshouted，withtherichstrengthofhervoice，\"Prayforus，Hilda；weneedit！\"
WhetherHildaheardandrecognizedthevoicewecannottell。Thewindowwasimmediatelyclosed，andherformdisappearedfrombehindthesnowycurtain。Miriamfeltthistobeatokenthatthecryofhercondemnedspiritwasshutoutofheaven。
CHAPTERXX
THEBURIALCHANT
TheChurchoftheCapuchinswhere，asthereadermayremember，someofouracquaintanceshadmadeanengagementtomeetstandsalittleasidefromthePiazzaBarberini。Thither，atthehouragreedupon，onthemorningafterthesceneslastdescribed，MiriamandDonatellodirectedtheirsteps。Atnotimearepeoplesosedulouslycarefultokeeptheirtriflingappointments，attendtotheirordinaryoccupations，andthusputacommonplaceaspectonlife，aswhenconsciousofsomesecretthatifsuspectedwouldmakethemlookmonstrousinthegeneraleye。
Yethowtameandwearisomeistheimpressionofallordinarythingsinthecontrastwithsuchafact！Howsickandtremulous，thenextmorning，isthespiritthathasdaredsomuchonlythenightbefore！Howicycoldistheheart，whenthefervor，thewildecstasyofpassionhasfadedaway，andsunkdownamongthedeadashesofthefirethatblazedsofiercely，andwasfedbytheverysubstanceofitslife！Howfaintlydoesthecriminalstaggeronward，lackingtheimpulseofthatstrongmadnessthathurriedhimintoguilt，andtreacherouslydesertshiminthemidstofit！
WhenMiriamandDonatellodrewnearthechurch，theyfoundonlyKenyonawaitingthemonthesteps。Hildahadlikewisepromisedtobeoftheparty，buthadnotyetappeared。Meetingthesculptor，Miriamputaforceuponherselfandsucceededincreatinganartificialflowofspirits，which，toanybutthenicestobservation，wasquiteaseffectiveasanaturalone。ShespokesympathizinglytothesculptoronthesubjectofHilda\'sabsence，andsomewhatannoyedhimbyalludinginDonatello\'shearingtoanattachmentwhichhadneverbeenopenlyavowed，thoughperhapsplainlyenoughbetrayed。HefanciedthatMiriamdidnotquiterecognizethelimitsofthestrictestdelicacy；heevenwentsofarastogeneralize，andconcludewithinhimself，thatthisdeficiencyisamoregeneralfailinginwomanthaninman，thehighestrefinementbeingamasculineattribute。
Buttheideawasunjusttothesexatlarge，andespeciallysotothispoorMiriam，whowashardlyresponsibleforherfranticeffortstobegay。
Possibly，moreover，theniceactionofthemindissetajarbyanyviolentshock，asofgreatmisfortuneorgreatcrime，sothatthefinerperceptionsmaybeblurredthenceforth，andtheeffectbetraceableinalltheminutestconductoflife。
\"Didyouseeanythingofthedearchildafteryouleftus？\"askedMiriam，stillkeepingHildaashertopicofconversation。\"Imissedhersadlyonmywayhomeward；fornothinginsuresmesuchdelightfulandinnocentdreamsIhaveexperiencedittwentytimesasatalklateintheeveningwithHilda。\"
\"SoIshouldimagine，\"saidthesculptorgravely；\"butitisanadvantagethatIhavelittleornoopportunityofenjoying。IknownotwhatbecameofHildaaftermypartingfromyou。Shewasnotespeciallymycompanioninanypartofourwalk。ThelastIsawofhershewashasteningbacktorejoinyouinthecourtyardofthePalazzoCaffarelli。\"
\"Impossible！\"criedMiriam，starting。
\"Thendidyounotseeheragain？\"inquiredKenyon，insomealarm。
\"Notthere，\"answeredMiriamquietly；\"indeed，Ifollowedprettycloselyontheheelsoftherestoftheparty。ButdonotbealarmedonHilda\'saccount；theVirginisboundtowatchoverthegoodchild，forthesakeofthepietywithwhichshekeepsthelampalightathershrine。Andbesides，IhavealwaysfeltthatHildaisjustassafeintheseevilstreetsofRomeasherwhitedoveswhentheyflydownwardsfromthetowertop，andruntoandfroamongthehorses\'feet。ThereiscertainlyaprovidenceonpurposeforHilda，iffornootherhumancreature。\"
\"Ireligiouslybelieveit，\"rejoinedthesculptor；\"andyetmymindwouldbetheeasier，ifIknewthatshehadreturnedsafelytohertower。\"
\"Thenmakeyourselfquiteeasy，\"answeredMiriam。\"IsawheranditisthelastsweetsightthatIrememberleaningfromherwindowmidwaybetweenearthandsky！\"
KenyonnowlookedatDonatello。
\"Youseemoutofspirits，mydearfriend，\"heobserved。\"ThislanguidRomanatmosphereisnottheairywinethatyouwereaccustomedtobreatheathome。IhavenotforgottenyourhospitableinvitationtomeetyouthissummeratyourcastleamongtheApennines。Itismyfixedpurposetocome，Iassureyou。Weshallbothbethebetterforsomedeepdraughtsofthemountainbreezes。\"
\"Itmayhe，\"saidDonatello，withunwontedsombreness；\"theoldhouseseemedjoyouswhenIwasachild。ButasIrememberitnowitwasagrimplace，too。\"
Thesculptorlookedmoreattentivelyattheyoungman，andwassurprisedandalarmedtoobservehowentirelythefine，freshglowofanimalspiritshaddepartedoutofhisface。Hitherto，moreover，evenwhilehewasstandingperfectlystill，therehadbeenakindofpossiblegambolindicatedinhisaspect。Itwasquitegonenow。Allhisyouthfulgayety，andwithithissimplicityofmanner，waseclipsed，ifnotutterlyextinct。
\"Youaresurelyill，mydearfellow，\"exclaimedKenyon。
\"AmI？Perhapsso，\"saidDonatelloindifferently；\"Ineverhavebeenill，andknownotwhatitmaybe。\"
\"Donotmakethepoorladfancy-sink，\"whisperedMiriam，pullingthesculptor\'ssleeve。\"Heisofanaturetoliedownanddieatonce，ifhefindshimselfdrawingsuchmelancholybreathsasweordinarypeopleareenforcedtoburdenourlungswithal。Butwemustgethimawayfromthisold，dreamyanddrearyRome，wherenobodybuthimselfeverthoughtofbeinggay。Itsinfluencesaretooheavytosustainthelifeofsuchacreature。\"
TheaboveconversationhadpassedchieflyonthestepsoftheCappuccini；
and，havingsaidsomuch，Miriamliftedtheleatherncurtainthathangsbeforeallchurch-doorsinitaly。
\"
Hildahasforgottenherappointment，\"sheobserved，\"orelsehermaidenslumbersareverysoundthismorning。Wewillwaitforhernolonger。\"
Theyenteredthenave。Theinteriorofthechurchwasofmoderatecompass，butofgoodarchitecture，withavaultedroofoverthenave，andarowofduskychapelsoneithersideofitinsteadofthecustomaryside-aisles。
Eachchapelhaditssaintlyshrine，hungroundwithofferings；itspictureabovethealtar，althoughcloselyveiled，ifbyanypainterofrenown；anditshallowedtapers，burningcontinually，tosetalightthedevotionoftheworshippers。Thepavementofthenavewaschieflyofmarble，andlookedoldandbroken，andwasshabbilypatchedhereandtherewithtilesofbrick；itwasinlaid，moreover，withtombstonesofthemediaevaltaste，onwhichwerequaintlysculpturedborders，figures，andportraitsinbas-relief，andLatinepitaphs，nowgrownillegiblebythetreadoffootstepsoverthem。ThechurchappertainstoaconventofCapuchinmonks；
and，asusuallyhappenswhenareverendbrotherhoodhavesuchanedificeincharge，thefloorseemednevertohavebeenscrubbedorswept，andhadaslittletheaspectofsanctityasakennel；whereas，inallchurchesofnunneries，themaidensisterhoodinvariablyshowthepurityoftheirownheartsbythevirgincleanlinessandvisibleconsecrationofthewallsandpavement。
Asourfriendsenteredthechurch，theireyesrestedatonceonaremarkableobjectinthecentreofthenave。Itwaseithertheactualbody，or，asmightratherhavebeensupposedatfirstglance，thecunninglywroughtwaxenfaceandsuitablydrapedfigureofadeadmonk。
Thisimageofwaxorclay-coldreality，whicheveritmightbe，layonaslightlyelevatedbier，withthreetallcandlesburningoneachside，anothertallcandleatthehead，andanotheratthefoot。Therewasmusic，too；inharmonywithsofunerealaspectacle。Frombeneaththepavementofthechurchcamethedeep，lugubriousstrainofaDeProfundis，whichsoundedlikeanutteranceofthetombitself；sodismallydiditrumblethroughtheburialvaults，andoozeupamongtheflatgravestonesandsadepitaphs，fillingthechurchaswithagloomymist。
\"Imustlookmorecloselyatthatdeadmonkbeforeweleavethechurch，\"
remarkedthesculptor。\"Inthestudyofmyart，Ihavegainedmanyahintfromthedeadwhichthelivingcouldneverhavegivenme。\"
\"Icanwellimagineit，\"answeredMiriam。\"Oneclayimageisreadilycopiedfromanother。ButletusfirstseeGuido\'spicture。Thelightisfavorablenow。\"
Accordingly，theyturnedintothefirstchapelontherighthand，asyouenterthenave；andtheretheybeheld，——notthepicture，indeed，——butacloselydrawncurtain。ThechurchmenofItalymakenoscrupleofsacrificingtheverypurposeforwhichaworkofsacredarthasbeencreated；thatofopeningtheway；forreligioussentimentthroughthequickmediumofsight，bybringingangels，saints，andmartyrsdownvisiblyuponearth；ofsacrificingthishighpurpose，and，foraughttheyknow，thewelfareofmanysoulsalongwithit，tothehopeofapaltryfee。
Everyworkbyanartistofcelebrityishiddenbehindaveil，andseldomrevealed，excepttoProtestants，whoscornitasanobjectofdevotion，andvalueitonlyforitsartisticmerit。
Thesacristanwasquicklyfound，however，andlostnotimeindisclosingtheyouthfulArchangel，settinghisdivinefootontheheadofhisfallenadversary。Itwasanimageofthatgreatestoffutureevents，whichwehopeforsoardently，atleast，whileweareyoung，——butfindsoverylongincoming，thetriumphofgoodnessovertheevilprinciple。
\"WherecanHildabe？\"exclaimedKenyon。\"Itisnothercustomevertofailinanengagement；andthepresentonewasmadeentirelyonheraccount。Exceptherself，youknow，wewereallagreedinourrecollectionofthepicture。\"
\"Butwewerewrong，andHildaright，asyouperceive，\"saidMiriam，directinghisattentiontothepointonwhichtheirdisputeofthenightbeforehadarisen。\"Itisnoteasytodetectherastrayasregardsanypictureonwhichthoseclear，softeyesofhershaveeverrested。\"
\"Andshehasstudiedandadmiredfewpicturessomuchasthis，\"observedthesculptor。\"Nowonder；forthereishardlyanothersobeautifulintheworld。WhatanexpressionofheavenlyseverityintheArchangel\'sface！Thereisadegreeofpain，trouble，anddisgustatbeingbroughtincontactwithsin，evenforthepurposeofquellingandpunishingit；andyetacelestialtranquillitypervadeshiswholebeing。\"
\"Ihaveneverbeenable，\"saidMiriam，\"toadmirethispicturenearlysomuchasHildadoes，initsmoralandintellectualaspect。Ifitcosthermoretroubletobegood，ifhersoulwerelesswhiteandpure，shewouldbeamorecompetentcriticofthispicture，andwouldestimateitnothalfsohigh。Iseeitsdefectstodaymoreclearlythaneverbefore。\"
\"Whataresomeofthem？\"askedKenyon。
\"ThatArchangel，now，\"Miriamcontinued；\"howfairhelooks，withhisunruffledwings，withhisunhackedsword，andcladinhisbrightarmor，andthatexquisitelyfittingsky-bluetunic，cutinthelatestParadisiacalmode！Whatadaintyairofthefirstcelestialsociety！
Withwhathalf-scornfuldelicacyhesetshisprettilysandalledfootontheheadofhisprostratefoe！But，isitthusthatvirtuelooksthemomentafteritsdeathstrugglewithevil？No，no；IcouldhavetoldGuidobetter。AfullthirdoftheArchangel\'sfeathersshouldhavebeentornfromhiswings；therestallruffled，tilltheylookedlikeSatan\'sown！Hisswordshouldbestreamingwithblood，andperhapsbrokenhalfwaytothehilt；hisarmorcrushed，hisrobesrent，hisbreastgory；ableedinggashonhisbrow，cuttingrightacrossthesternscowlofbattle！
Heshouldpresshisfootharddownupontheoldserpent，asifhisverysouldependeduponit，feelinghimsquirmmightily，anddoubtingwhetherthefightwerehalfoveryet，andhowthevictorymightturn！And，withallthisfierceness，thisgrimness，thisunutterablehorror，thereshouldstillbesomethinghigh，tender，andholyinMichael\'seyes，andaroundhismouth。Butthebattleneverwassuchachild\'splayasGuido\'sdapperArchangelseemstohavefoundit。\"
\"ForHeaven\'ssake，Miriam，\"criedKenyon，astonishedatthewildenergyofhertalk；\"paintthepictureofman\'sstruggleagainstsinaccordingtoyourownidea！Ithinkitwillbeamasterpiece。\"
\"Thepicturewouldhaveitsshareoftruth，Iassureyou，\"sheanswered；
\"butIamsadlyafraidthevictorywouldfailonthewrongside。Justfancyasmoke-blackened，fiery-eyeddemonbestridingthatniceyoungangel，clutchinghiswhitethroatwithoneofhishinderclaws；andgivingatriumphantwhiskofhisscalytail，withapoisonousdartattheendofit！
Thatiswhattheyrisk，poorsouls，whodobattlewithMichael\'senemy。\"
Itnow，perhaps，struckMiriamthathermentaldisquietudewasimpellinghertoanunduevivacity；forshepaused，andturnedawayfromthepicture，withoutsayingawordmoreaboutit。Allthiswhile，moreover，Donatellohadbeenveryillatease，castingawe-strickenandinquiringglancesatthedeadmonk；asifhecouldlooknowherebutatthatghastlyobject，merelybecauseitshockedhim。Deathhasprobablyapeculiarhorrorandugliness，whenforceduponthecontemplationofapersonsonaturallyjoyousasDonatello，wholivedwithcompletenessinthepresentmoment，andwasabletoformbutvagueimagesofthefuture。
\"Whatisthematter，Donatello？\"whisperedMiriamsoothingly。\"Youarequiteinatremble，mypoorfriend！Whatisit？\"
\"Thisawfulchantfrombeneaththechurch，，\"answeredDonatello；\"itoppressesme；theairissoheavywithitthatIcanscarcelydrawmybreath。Andyonderdeadmonk！Ifeelasifhewerelyingrightacrossmyheart。\"
\"Takecourage！\"whisperedsheagain\"come，wewillapproachclosetothedeadmonk。Theonlyway，insuchcases，istostaretheuglyhorrorrightintheface；neverasidelongglance，norhalf-look，forthosearewhatshowafrightfillthinginitsfrightfullestaspect。Leanonme，dearestfriend！Myheartisverystrongforbothofus。Bebrave；andalliswell。\"
Donatellohungbackforamoment，butthenpressedclosetoMiriam\'sside，andsufferedhertoleadhimuptothebier。Thesculptorfollowed。A
numberofpersons，chieflywomen，withseveralchildrenamongthem，werestandingaboutthecorpse；andasourthreefriendsdrewnigh，amotherkneltdown，andcausedherlittleboytokneel，bothkissingthebeadsandcrucifixthathungfromthemonk\'sgirdle。Possiblyhehaddiedintheodorofsanctity；or，atallevents，deathandhisbrownfrockandcowlmadeasacredimageofthisreverendfather。
CHAPTERXXI
THEDEADCAPUCHIN
Thedeadmonkwasclad，aswhenalive，inthebrownwoollenfrockoftheCapuchins，withthehooddrawnoverhishead，butsoastoleavethefeaturesandaportionofthebearduncovered。Hisrosaryandcrosshungathisside；hishandswerefoldedoverhisbreast；hisfeethewasofabarefootedorderinhislifetime，andcontinuedsoindeathprotrudedfrombeneathhishabit，stiffandstark，withamorewaxenlookthanevenhisface。Theyweretiedtogetherattheankleswithablackribbon。
Thecountenance，aswehavealreadysaid，wasfullydisplayed。Ithadapurplishhueuponit，unlikethepalenessofanordinarycorpse，butaslittleresemblingtheflushofnaturallife。Theeyelidswerebutpartiallydrawndown，andshowedtheeyeballsbeneath；asifthedeceasedfriarwerestealingaglimpseatthebystanders，towatchwhethertheyweredulyimpressedwiththesolemnityofhisobsequies。Theshaggyeyebrowsgavesternnesstothelook。Miriampassedbetweentwoofthelightedcandles，andstoodclosebesidethebier。
\"MyGod！\"murmuredshe。\"Whatisthis？\"
ShegraspedDonatello\'shand，and，atthesameinstant，felthimgiveaconvulsiveshudder，whichsheknewtohavebeencausedbyasuddenandterriblethroboftheheart。Hishand，byaninstantaneouschange，becamelikeicewithinhers，whichlikewisegrewsoicythattheirinsensiblefingersmighthaverattled，oneagainsttheother。Nowonderthattheirbloodcurdled；nowonderthattheirheartsleapedandpaused！Thedeadfaceofthemonk，gazingatthembeneathitshalf-closedeyelids，wasthesamevisagethathadglaredupontheirnakedsouls，thepastmidnight，asDonatelloflunghimovertheprecipice。
Thesculptorwasstandingatthefootofthebier，andhadnotyetseenthemonk\'sfeatures。
\"Thosenakedfeet！\"saidhe。\"Iknownotwhy，buttheyaffectmestrangely。TheyhavewalkedtoandfrooverthehardpavementsofRome，andthroughahundredotherroughwaysofthislife，wherethemonkwentbeggingforhisbrotherhood；alongthecloistersanddrearycorridorsofhisconvent，too，fromhisyouthupward！Itisasuggestiveidea，totrackthosewornfeetbackwardthroughallthepathstheyhavetrodden，eversincetheywerethetenderandrosylittlefeetofababy，andcoldastheynowarewerekeptwarminhismother\'shand。\"
Ashiscompanions，whomthesculptorsupposedtobeclosebyhim，madenoresponsetohisfancifulmusing，helookedup，andsawthemattheheadofthebier。Headvancedthitherhimself。
\"Ha！\"exclaimedhe。
Hecastahorror-strickenandbewilderedglanceatMiriam，butwithdrewitimmediately。Notthathehadanydefinitesuspicion，or，itmaybe，evenaremoteidea，thatshecouldbeheldresponsibleintheleastdegreeforthisman\'ssuddendeath。Intruth，itseemedtoowildathoughttoconnect，inreality，Miriam\'spersecutorofmanypastmonthsandthevagabondoftheprecedingnight，withthedeadCapuchinofto-day。Itresembledoneofthoseunaccountablechangesandinterminglingsofidentity，whichsooftenoccuramongthepersonagesofadream。ButKenyon，asbefittedtheprofessorofanimaginativeart，wasendowedwithanexceedinglyquicksensibility，whichwasapttogivehimintimationsofthetruestateofmattersthatlaybeyondhisactualvision。Therewasawhisperinhisear；itsaid，\"Hush！\"Withoutaskinghimselfwherefore，heresolvedtobesilentasregardedthemysteriousdiscoverywhichhehadmade，andtoleaveanyremarkorexclamationtobevoluntarilyofferedbyMiriam。Ifsheneverspoke，thenlettheriddlebeunsolved。
Andnowoccurredacircumstancethatwouldseemtoofantastictobetold，ifithadnotactuallyhappened，preciselyaswesetitdown。Asthethreefriendsstoodbythebier，theysawthatalittlestreamofbloodhadbeguntooozefromthedeadmonk\'snostrils；itcreptslowlytowardsthethicketofhisbeard，where，inthecourseofamomentortwo，ithiditself。
\"Howstrange！\"ejaculatedKenyon。\"Themonkdiedofapoplexy，Isuppose，orbysomesuddenaccident，andthebloodhasnotyetcongealed。\"
\"Doyouconsiderthatasufficientexplanation？\"askedMiriam，withasmilefromwhichthesculptorinvoluntarilyturnedawayhiseyes。\"Doesitsatisfyyou？\"
\"Andwhynot？\"heinquired。
\"Ofcourse，youknowtheoldsuperstitionaboutthisphenomenonofbloodflowingfromadeadbody，\"sherejoined。\"Howcanwetellbutthatthemurdererofthismonkor，possibly，itmaybeonlythatprivilegedmurderer，hisphysicianmayhavejustenteredthechurch？\"
\"Icannotjestaboutit，\"saidKenyon。\"Itisanuglysight！\"
\"True，true；horribletosee，ordreamof！\"shereplied，withoneofthoselong，tremuloussighs，whichsooftenbetrayasickheartbyescapingunexpectedly。\"Wewillnotlookatitanymore。Comeaway，Donatello。
Letusescapefromthisdismalchurch。Thesunshinewilldoyougood。\"
Whenhadeverawomansuchatrialtosustainasthis！BynopossiblesuppositioncouldMiriamexplaintheidentityofthedeadCapuchin，quietlyanddecorouslylaidoutinthenaveofhisconventchurch，withthatofhermurderedpersecutor，flungheedlesslyatthefootoftheprecipice。Theeffectuponherimaginationwasasifastrangeandunknowncorpsehadmiraculously，whileshewasgazingatit，assumedthelikenessofthatface，soterriblehenceforthinherremembrance。Itwasasymbol，perhaps，ofthedeadlyiterationwithwhichshewasdoomedtobeholdtheimageofhercrimereflectedbackuponherinathousandways，andconvertingthegreat，calmfaceofNature，inthewhole，andinitsinnumerabledetails，intoamanifoldreminiscenceofthatonedeadvisage。
NosoonerhadMiriamturnedawayfromthebier，andgoneafewsteps，thanshefanciedthelikenessaltogetheranillusion，whichwouldvanishatacloserandcolderview。Shemustlookatitagain，therefore，andatonce；
orelsethegravewouldcloseovertheface，andleavetheawfulfantasythathadconnecteditselftherewithfixedineffaceablyinherbrain。
\"Waitforme，onemoment！\"shesaidtohercompanions。\"Onlyamoment！\"
Soshewentback，andgazedoncemoreatthecorpse。Yes；thesewerethefeaturesthatMiriamhadknownsowell；thiswasthevisagethatsherememberedfromafarlongerdatethanthemostintimateofherfriendssuspected；thisformofclayhadheldtheevilspiritwhichblastedhersweetyouth，andcompelledher，asitwere，tostainherwomanhoodwithcrime。But，whetheritwerethemajestyofdeath，orsomethingoriginallynobleandloftyinthecharacterofthedead，whichthesoulhadstampeduponthefeatures，asitleftthem；soitwasthatMiriamnowquailedandshook，notforthevulgarhorrorofthespectacle，butforthesevere，reproachfulglancethatseemedtocomefrombetweenthosehalf-closedlids。
True，therehadbeennothing，inhislifetime，vilerthanthisman。
Sheknewit；therewasnootherfactwithinherconsciousnessthatshefelttobesocertain；andyet，becauseherpersecutorfoundhimselfsafeandirrefutableindeath，hefrowneduponhisvictim，andthrewbacktheblameonher！
\"Isitthou，indeed？\"shemurmured，underherbreath。\"Thenthouhastnorighttoscowluponmeso！Butartthoureal，oravision？\"Shebentdownoverthedeadmonk，tilloneofherrichcurlsbrushedagainsthisforehead。Shetouchedoneofhisfoldedhandswithherfinger。
\"Itishe，\"saidMiriam。\"Thereisthescar，thatIknowsowell，onhisbrow。Anditisnovision；heispalpabletomytouch！Iwillquestionthefactnolonger，butdealwithitasIbestcan。\"
ItwaswonderfultoseehowthecrisisdevelopedinMiriamitsownproperstrength，andthefacultyofsustainingthedemandswhichitmadeuponherfortitude。Sheceasedtotremble；thebeautifulwomangazedsternlyatherdeadenemy，endeavoringtomeetandquellthelookofaccusationthathethrewfrombetweenhishalf-closedeyelids。
\"No；thoushaltnotscowlmedown！\"saidshe。\"Neithernow，norwhenwestandtogetheratthejudgment-seat。Ifearnottomeettheethere。
Farewell，tillthatnextencounter！\"
Haughtilywavingherhand，Miriamrejoinedherfriends，whowereawaitingheratthedoorofthechurch。Astheywentout，thesacristanstoppedthem，andproposedtoshowthecemeteryoftheconvent，wherethedeceasedmembersofthefraternityarelaidtorestinsacredearth，broughtlongagofromJerusalem。
\"Andwillyondermonkbeburiedthere？\"sheasked。
\"BrotherAntonio？\"exclaimedthesacristan。
\"Surely，ourgoodbrotherwillbeputtobedthere！Hisgraveisalreadydug，andthelastoccupanthasmaderoomforhim。Willyoulookatit，signorina？\"
\"Iwill！\"saidMiriam。
\"Thenexcuseme，\"observedKenyon；\"forIshallleaveyou。Onedeadmonkhasmorethansufficedme；andIamnotboldenoughtofacethewholemortalityoftheconvent。\"
Itwaseasytosee，byDonatello\'slooks，thathe，aswellasthesculptor，wouldgladlyhaveescapedavisittothefamouscemeteryoftheCappuccini。ButMiriam\'snerveswerestrainedtosuchapitch，thatsheanticipatedacertainsolaceandabsolutereliefinpassingfromoneghastlyspectacletoanotheroflong-accumulatedugliness；andtherewas，besides，asingularsenseofdutywhichimpelledhertolookatthefinalresting-placeofthebeingwhosefatehadbeensodisastrouslyinvolvedwithherown。Shethereforefollowedthesacristan\'sguidance，anddrewhercompanionalongwithher，whisperingencouragementastheywent。
Thecemeteryisbeneaththechurch，butentirelyaboveground，andlightedbyarowofiron-gratedwindowswithoutglass。Acorridorrunsalongbesidethesewindows，andgivesaccesstothreeorfourvaultedrecesses，orchapels，ofconsiderablebreadthandheight，thefloorofwhichconsistsoftheconsecratedearthofJerusalem。Itissmootheddecorouslyoverthedeceasedbrethrenoftheconvent，andiskeptquitefreefromgrassorweeds，suchaswouldgroweveninthesegloomyrecesses，ifpainswerenotbestowedtorootthemup。But，asthecemeteryissmall，anditisapreciousprivilegetosleepinholyground，thebrotherhoodareimmemoriallyaccustomed，whenoneoftheirnumberdies，totakethelongestburiedskeletonoutoftheoldestgrave，andlaythenewslumbererthereinstead。Thus，eachofthegoodfriars，inhisturn，enjoystheluxuryofaconsecratedbed，attendedwiththeslightdrawbackofbeingforcedtogetuplongbeforedaybreak，asitwere，andmakeroomforanotherlodger。
Thearrangementoftheunearthedskeletonsiswhatmakesthespecialinterestofthecemetery。Thearchedandvaultedwallsoftheburialrecessesaresupportedbymassivepillarsandpilastersmadeofthigh-bonesandskulls；thewholematerialofthestructureappearstobeofasimilarkind；andtheknobsandembossedornamentsofthisstrangearchitecturearerepresentedbythejointsofthespine，andthemoredelicatetracerybytheSmallerbonesofthehumanframe。Thesummitsofthearchesareadornedwithentireskeletons，lookingasiftheywerewroughtmostskilfullyinbas-relief。Thereisnopossibilityofdescribinghowuglyandgrotesqueistheeffect，combinedwithacertainartisticmerit，norhowmuchpervertedingenuityhasbeenshowninthisqueerway，norwhatamultitudeofdeadmonks，throughhowmanyhundredyears，musthavecontributedtheirbonyframeworktobuildup。thesegreatarchesofmortality。Onsomeoftheskullsthereareinscriptions，purportingthatsuchamonk，whoformerlymadeuseofthatparticularheadpiece，diedonsuchadayandyear；butvastlythegreaternumberarepiledupindistinguishablyintothearchitecturaldesign，likethemanydeathsthatmakeuptheonegloryofavictory。
Inthesidewallsofthevaultsarenicheswhereskeletonmonkssitorstand，cladinthebrownhabitsthattheyworeinlife，andlabelledwiththeirnamesandthedatesoftheirdecease。Theirskullssomequitebare，andothersstillcoveredwithyellowskin，andhairthathasknowntheearth-dampslookoutfrombeneaththeirhoods，grinninghideouslyrepulsive。Onereverendfatherhashismouthwideopen，asifhehaddiedinthemidstofahowlofterrorandremorse，whichperhapsisevennowscreechingthrougheternity。Asageneralthing，however，thesefrockedandhoodedskeletonsseemtotakeamorecheerfulviewoftheirposition，andtrywithghastlysmilestoturnitintoajest。ButthecemeteryoftheCapuchinsisnoplacetonourishcelestialhopes：thesoulsinksforlornandwretchedunderallthisburdenofdustydeath；theholyearthfromJerusalem，soimbuedisitwithmortality，hasgrownasbarrenoftheflowersofParadiseasitisofearthlyweedsandgrass。ThankHeavenforitsbluesky；itneedsalong，upwardgazetogiveusbackourfaith。Notherecanwefeelourselvesimmortal，wheretheveryaltarsinthesechapelsofhorribleconsecrationareheapsofhumanbones。
Yetletusgivethecemeterythepraisethatitdeserves。Thereisnodisagreeablescent，suchasmighthavebeenexpectedfromthedecayofsomanyholypersons，inwhateverodorofsanctitytheymayhavetakentheirdeparture。Thesamenumberoflivingmonkswouldnotsmellhalfsounexceptionably。
Miriamwentgloomilyalongthecorridor，fromonevaultedGolgothatoanother，untilinthefarthestrecessshebeheldanopengrave。
\"Isthatforhimwholiesyonderinthenave？\"sheasked。
\"Yes，signorina，thisistobetheresting-placeofBrotherAntonio，whocametohisdeathlastnight，\"answeredthesacristan；\"andinyonderniche，yousee，sitsabrotherwhowasburiedthirtyyearsago，andhasrisentogivehimplace。\"
\"Itisnotasatisfactoryidea，\"observedMiriam，\"thatyoupoorfriarscannotcallevenyourgravespermanentlyyourown。Youmustliedowninthem，methinks，withanervousanticipationofbeingdisturbed，likewearymenwhoknowthattheyshallbesummonedoutofbedatmidnight。IsitnotpossibleifmoneyweretobepaidfortheprivilegetoleaveBrotherAntonio——ifthatbehisname——intheoccupancyofthatnarrowgravetillthelasttrumpetsounds？\"
\"Bynomeans，signorina；neitherisitneedfulordesirable，\"answeredthesacristan。\"Aquarterofacentury\'ssleepinthesweetearthofJerusalemisbetterthanathousandyearsinanyothersoil。Ourbrethrenfindgoodrestthere。Noghostwaseverknowntostealoutofthisblessedcemetery。\"
\"Thatiswell，\"respondedMiriam；\"mayhewhomyounowlaytosleepprovenoexceptiontotherule！\"
Astheyleftthecemeterysheputmoneyintothesacristan\'shandtoanamountthatmadehiseyesopenwideandglisten，andrequestedthatitmightbeexpendedinmassesforthereposeofFatherAntonio\'ssoul。
CHAPTERXXII
THEMEDICIGARDENS
Donatello，\"saidMiriamanxiously，astheycamethroughthePiazzaBarberini，\"whatcanIdoforyou，mybelovedfriend？YouareshakingaswiththecoldfitoftheRomanfever。\"\"Yes，\"saidDonatello；\"myheartshivers。\"Assoonasshecouldcollectherthoughts，MiriamledtheyoungmantothegardensoftheVillaMedici，hopingthatthequietshadeandsunshineofthatdelightfulretreatwouldalittlerevivehisspirits。
Thegroundsaretherelaidoutintheoldfashionofstraightpaths，withbordersofbox，whichformhedgesofgreatheightanddensity，andareshornandtrimmedtotheevennessofawallofstone，atthetopandsides。
Therearegreenalleys，withlongvistasovershadowedbyilex-trees；andateachintersectionofthepaths，thevisitorfindsseatsoflichen-coveredstonetoreposeupon，andmarblestatuesthatlookforlornlyathim，regretfuloftheirlostnoses。Inthemoreopenportionsofthegarden，beforethesculpturedfrontofthevilla，youseefountainsandflower-beds，andintheirseasonaprofusionofroses，fromwhichthegenialsunofItalydistilsafragrance，tobescatteredabroadbythenolessgenialbreeze。
ButDonatellodrewnodelightfromthesethings。Hewalkedonwardinsilentapathy，andlookedatMiriamwithstrangelyhalf-awakenedandbewilderedeyes，whenshesoughttobringhismindintosympathywithhers，andsorelievehisheartoftheburdenthatlaylumpishlyuponit。
Shemadehimsitdownonastonebench，wheretwoemboweredalleyscrossedeachother；sothattheycoulddiscerntheapproachofanycasualintruderalongwaydownthepath。
\"Mysweetfriend，\"shesaid，takingoneofhispassivehandsinbothofhers，\"whatcanIsaytocomfortyou？\"
\"Nothing！\"repliedDonatello，withsombrereserve。\"Nothingwillevercomfortme。\"
\"Iacceptmyownmisery，\"continuedMiriam，\"myownguilt，ifguiltitbe；
and，whetherguiltormisery，Ishallknowhowtodealwithit。Butyou，dearestfriend，thatweretherarestcreatureinallthisworld，andseemedabeingtowhomsorrowcouldnotcling，——you，whomIhalffanciedtobelongtoaracethathadvanishedforever，youonlysurviving，toshowmankindhowgenialandhowjoyouslifeusedtobe，insomelong-goneage，——whathadyoutodowithgrieforcrime？\"
\"Theycametomeastoothermen，\"saidDonatellobroodingly。\"DoubtlessIwasborntothem。\"
\"No，no；theycamewithme，\"repliedMiriam。\"Mineistheresponsibility！
Alas！whereforewasIborn？Whydidweevermeet？WhydidInotdriveyoufromme，knowingformyheartforebodedit——thatthecloudinwhichI
walkedwouldlikewiseenvelopyou！\"
Donatellostirreduneasily，withtheirritableimpatiencethatisoftencombinedWithamoodofleadendespondency。Abrownlizardwithtwotails——amonsteroftenengenderedbytheRomansunshine——ranacrosshisfoot，andmadehimstart。Thenhesatsilentawhile，andsodidMiriam，tryingtodissolveherwholeheartintosympathy，andlavishitalluponhim，wereitonlyforamoment\'scordial。
Theyoungmanliftedhishandtohisbreast，and，unintentionally，asMiriam\'shandwaswithinhis，heliftedthatalongwithit。\"Ihaveagreatweighthere！\"saidhe。ThefancystruckMiriambutshedroveitresolutelydownthatDonatelloalmostimperceptiblyshuddered，while，inpressinghisownhandagainsthisheart，hepressedherstheretoo。
\"Restyourheartonme，dearestone！\"sheresumed。\"Letmebearallitsweight；Iamwellabletobearit；forIamawoman，andIloveyou！I
loveyou，Donatello！Istherenocomfortforyouinthisavowal？Lookatme！Heretoforeyouhavefoundmepleasanttoyoursight。Gazeintomyeyes！Gazeintomysoul！Searchasdeeplyasyoumay，youcanneverseehalfthetendernessanddevotionthatIhenceforthcherishforyou。AllthatIaskisyouracceptanceoftheutterself-sacrificebutitshallbenosacrifice，tomygreatlovewithwhichIseektoremedytheevilyouhaveincurredformysake！\"
AllthisfervoronMiriam\'spart；onDonatello\'s，aheavysilence。
\"O，speaktome！\"sheexclaimed。\"Onlypromisemetobe，byandby，alittlehappy！\"
\"Happy？\"murmuredDonatello。\"Ah，neveragain！neveragain！\"
\"Never？Ah，thatisaterriblewordtosaytome！\"answeredMiriam。\"A
terriblewordtoletfalluponawoman\'sheart，whenshelovesyou，andisconsciousofhavingcausedyourmisery！Ifyouloveme，Donatello，speakitnotagain。Andsurelyyoudidloveme？\"
\"Idid，\"repliedDonatellogloomilyandabsently。
Miriamreleasedtheyoungman\'shand，butsufferedoneofherowntolieclosetohis，andwaitedamomenttoseewhetherhewouldmakeanyefforttoretainit。Therewasmuchdependinguponthatsimpleexperiment。
Withadeepsigh——aswhen，sometimes，aslumbererturnsoverinatroubleddreamDonatellochangedhisposition，andclaspedbothhishandsoverhisforehead。ThegenialwarmthofaRomanAprilkindlingintoMaywasintheatmospherearoundthem；butwhenMiriamsawthatinvoluntarymovementandheardthatsighofreliefforsosheinterpretedit，ashiverranthroughherframe，asiftheiciestwindoftheApennineswereblowingoverher。
\"HehasdonehimselfagreaterwrongthanIdreamedof，\"thoughtshe，withunutterablecompassion。\"Alas！itwasasadmistake！Hemighthavehadakindofblissintheconsequencesofthisdeed，hadhebeenimpelledtoitbyalovevitalenoughtosurvivethefrenzyofthatterriblemoment，mightyenoughtomakeitsownlaw，andjustifyitselfagainstthenaturalremorse。Buttohaveperpetratedadreadfulmurderandsuchwashiscrime，unlesslove，annihilatingmoraldistinctions，madeitotherwiseonnobetterwarrantthanaboy\'sidlefantasy！Ipityhimfromtheverydepthsofmysoul！Asformyself，Iampastmyownorother\'spity。\"
Shearosefromtheyoungman\'sside，andstoodbeforehimwithasad，commiseratingaspect；itwasthelookofaruinedsoul，bewailing，inhim，agrieflessthanwhatherprofoundersympathiesimposeduponherself。
\"Donatello，wemustpart，\"shesaid，withmelancholyfirmness。\"Yes；
leaveme！Gobacktoyouroldtower，whichoverlooksthegreenvalleyyouhavetoldmeofamongtheApennines。Then，allthathaspassedwillberecognizedasbutanuglydream。Forindreamstheconsciencesleeps，andweoftenstainourselveswithguiltofwhichweshouldbeincapableinourwakingmoments。Thedeedyouseemedtodo，lastnight，wasnomorethansuchadream；therewasaslittlesubstanceinwhatyoufanciedyourselfdoing。Go；andforgetitall！\"
\"Ah，thatterribleface！\"saidDonatello，pressinghishandsoverhiseyes。\"Doyoucallthatunreal？\"
\"Yes；foryoubehelditwithdreamingeyes，\"repliedMiriam。\"Itwasunreal；and，thatyoumayfeelitso，itisrequisitethatyouseethisfaceofminenomore。Once，youmayhavethoughtitbeautiful；now，ithaslostitscharm。Yetitwouldstillretainamiserablepotency\'tobringbackthepastillusion，and，initstrain，theremorseandanguishthatwoulddarkenallyourlife。Leaveme，therefore，andforgetme。\"
\"Forgetyou，Miriam！\"saidDonatello，rousedsomewhatfromhisapathyofdespair。
\"IfIcouldrememberyou，andbeholdyou，apartfromthatfrightfulvisagewhichstaresatmeoveryourshoulder，thatwereaconsolation，atleast，ifnotajoy。\"
\"Butsincethatvisagehauntsyoualongwithmine，\"rejoinedMiriam，glancingbehindher，\"weneedsmustpart。Farewell，then！Butifever——indistress，peril，shame，poverty，orwhateveranguishismostpoignant，whateverburdenheaviest——youshouldrequirealifetobegivenwholly，onlytomakeyourownalittleeasier，thensummonme！Asthecasenowstandsbetweenus，youhaveboughtmedear，andfindmeoflittleworth。Flingmeaway，therefore！Mayyouneverneedmemore！But，ifotherwise，awish——almostanunutteredwishwillbringmetoyou！\"
Shestoodamoment，expectingareply。ButDonatello\'seyeshadagainfallenontheground，andhehadnot，inhisbewilderedmindandoverburdenedheart，awordtorespond。
\"ThathourIspeakofmaynevercome，\"saidMiriam。\"Sofarewell——farewellforever。\"
\"Farewell，\"saidDonatello。
Hisvoicehardlymadeitswaythroughtheenvironmentofunaccustomedthoughtsandemotionswhichhadsettledoverhimlikeadenseanddarkcloud。Notimprobably，hebeheldMiriamthroughsodimamediumthatshelookedvisionary；heardherspeakonlyinathin，faintecho。
Sheturnedfromtheyoungman，and，muchasherheartyearnedtowardshim，shewouldnotprofanethatheavypartingbyanembrace，orevenapressureofthehand。Sosoonafterthesemblanceofsuchmightylove，andafterithadbeentheimpulsetosoterribleadeed，theyparted，inalloutwardshow，ascoldlyaspeoplepartwhosewholemutualintercoursehasbeenencircledwithinasinglehour。
AndDonatello，whenMiriamhaddeparted，stretchedhimselfatfulllengthonthestonebench，anddrewhishatoverhiseyes，astheidleandlight-heartedyouthsofdreamyItalyareaccustomedtodo，whentheyliedowninthefirstconvenientshade，andsnatchanoondayslumber。A
stuporwasuponhim，whichhemistookforsuchdrowsinessashehadknowninhisinnocentpastlife。But，byandby，heraisedhimselfslowlyandleftthegarden。SometimespoorDonatellostarted，asifheheardashriek；sometimesheshrankback，asifaface，fearfultobehold，werethrustclosetohisown。Inthisdismalmood，bewilderedwiththenoveltyofsinandgrief，hehadlittleleftofthatsingularresemblance，onaccountofwhich，andfortheirsport，histhreefriendshadfantasticallyrecognizedhimastheveritableFaunofPraxiteles。
CHAPTERXXIII
MIRIAMANDHILDA
OnleavingtheMediciGardensMiriamfeltherselfastrayintheworld；andhavingnospecialreasontoseekoneplacemorethananother，shesufferedchancetodirectherstepsasitwould。Thusithappened，that，involvingherselfinthecrookednessofRome，shesawHilda\'stowerrisingbeforeher，andwasputinmindtoclimbtotheyounggirl\'seyry，andaskwhyshehadbrokenherengagementatthechurchoftheCapuchins。Peopleoftendotheidlestactsoftheirlifetimeintheirheaviestandmostanxiousmoments；sothatitwouldhavebeennowonderhadMiriambeenimpelledonlybysoslightamotiveofcuriosityaswehaveindicated。
Butsheremembered，too，andwithaquakingheart，whatthesculptorhadmentionedofHilda\'sretracingherstepstowardsthecourtyardofthePalazzoCaffarelliinquestofMiriamherself。Hadshebeencompelledtochoosebetweeninfamyintheeyesofthewholeworld，orinHilda\'seyesalone，shewouldunhesitatinglyhaveacceptedtheformer，onconditionofremainingspotlessintheestimationofherwhite-souledfriend。Thispossibility，therefore，thatHildahadwitnessedthesceneofthepastnight，wasunquestionablythecausethatdrewMiriamtothetower，andmadeherlingerandfalterassheapproachedit。
Asshedrewnear，thereweretokenstowhichherdisturbedmindgaveasinisterinterpretation。Someofherfriend\'sairyfamily，thedoves，withtheirheadsimbeddeddisconsolatelyintheirbosoms，werehuddledinacornerofthepiazza；othershadalightedontheheads，wings，shoulders，andtrumpetsofthemarbleangelswhichadornedthefacadeoftheneighboringchurch；twoorthreehadbetakenthemselvestotheVirgin\'sshrine；andasmanyascouldfindroomweresittingonHilda\'swindow-sill。
Butallofthem，soMiriamfancied，hadalookofwearyexpectationanddisappointment，noflights，noflutterings，nocooingmurmur；somethingthatoughttohavemadetheirdaygladandbrightwasevidentlyleftoutofthisday\'shistory。And，furthermore，Hilda\'swhitewindowcurtainwascloselydrawn，withonlythatonelittleapertureattheside，whichMiriamrememberednoticingthenightbefore。
\"Bequiet，\"saidMiriamtoherownheart，pressingherhandharduponit。
\"Whyshouldstthouthrobnow？Hastthounotenduredmoreterriblethingsthanthis？\"
Whateverwereherapprehensions，shewouldnotturnback。Itmightbe——andthesolacewouldbeworthaworld——thatHilda，knowingnothingofthepastnight\'scalamity，wouldgreetherfriendwithasunnysmile，andsorestoreaportionofthevitalwarmth，forlackofwhichhersoulwasfrozen。ButcouldMiriam，guiltyasshewas，permitHildatokisshercheek，toclaspherhand，andthusbenolongersounspottedfromtheworldasheretofore\"Iwillneverpermithersweettouchagain，\"saidMiriam，toilingupthestaircase，\"ifIcanfindstrengthofhearttoforbidit。But，O！itwouldbesosoothinginthiswintryfever-fitofmyheart。TherecanbenoharmtomywhiteHildainonepartingkiss。Thatshallbeall！\"
But，onreachingtheupperlanding-place，Miriampaused，andstirrednotagaintillshehadbroughtherselftoanimmovableresolve。
\"Mylips，myhand，shallnevermeetHilda\'smore，\"saidshe。
Meanwhile，Hildasatlistlesslyinherpainting-room。Hadyoulookedintothelittleadjoiningchamber，youmighthaveseentheslightimprintofherfigureonthebed，butwouldalsohavedetectedatoncethatthewhitecounterpanehadnotbeenturneddown。Thepillowwasmoredisturbed；shehadturnedherfaceuponit，thepoorchild，andbedeweditwithsomeofthosetearsamongthemostchillandforlornthatgushfromhumansorrow
whichtheinnocentheartpoursforthatitsfirstactualdiscoverythatsinisintheworld。Theyoungandpurearenotapttofindoutthatmiserabletruthuntilitisbroughthometothembytheguiltinessofsometrustedfriend。Theymayhaveheardmuchoftheeviloftheworld，andseemtoknowit，butonlyasanimpalpabletheory。Induetime，somemortal，whomtheyreverencetoohighly，iscommissionedbyProvidencetoteachthemthisdirefullesson；heperpetratesasin；andAdamfallsanew，andParadise，heretoforeinunfadedbloom，islostagain，anddosedforever，withthefieryswordsgleamingatitsgates。
ThechairinwhichHildasatwasneartheportraitofBeatriceCenci，whichhadnotyetbeentakenfromtheeasel。Itisapeculiarityofthispicture，thatitsprofoundestexpressioneludesastraightforwardglance，andcanonlybecaughtbysideglimpses，orwhentheeyefallscasuallyuponit；evenasifthepaintedfacehadalifeandconsciousnessofitsown，and，resolvingnottobetrayitssecretofgrieforguilt，permittedthetruetokenstocomeforthonlywhenitimagineditselfunseen。Noothersuchmagicaleffecthaseverbeenwroughtbypencil。
Now，oppositetheeaselhungalooking-glass，inwhichBeatrice\'sfaceandHilda\'swerebothreflected。Inoneofherweary，nervelesschangesofposition，Hildahappenedtothrowhereyesontheglass，andtookinboththeseimagesatoneunpremeditatedglance。Shefancied——norwasitwithouthorror——thatBeatrice\'sexpression，seenasideandvanishinginamoment，hadbeendepictedinherownfacelikewise，andflittedfromitastimorously。
\"AmI，too，stainedwithguilt？\"thoughtthepoorgirl，hidingherfaceinherhands。
Notso，thankHeaven！But，asregardsBeatrice\'spicture，theincidentsuggestsatheorywhichmayaccountforitsunutterablegriefandmysteriousshadowofguilt，withoutdetractingfromthepuritywhichwelovetoattributetothatill-fatedgirl。Who，indeed，canlookatthatmouth，——withitslipshalfapart，asinnocentasababe\'sthathasbeencrying，andnotpronounceBeatricesinless？Itwastheintimateconsciousnessofherfather\'ssinthatthrewitsshadowoverher，andfrightenedherintoaremoteandinaccessibleregion，wherenosympathycouldcome。ItwastheknowledgeofMiriam\'sguiltthatlentthesameexpressiontoHilda\'sface。
ButHildanervouslymovedherchair，sothattheimagesintheglassshouldbenolongerVisible。Shenowwatchedaspeckofsunshinethatcamethroughashutteredwindow，andcreptfromobjecttoobject，indicatingeachwithatouchofitsbrightfinger，andthenlettingthemallvanishsuccessively。Inlikemannerhermind，solikesunlightinitsnaturalcheerfulness，wentfromthoughttothought，butfoundnothingthatitcoulddwelluponforcomfort。Neverbeforehadthisyoung，energetic，activespiritknownwhatitistobedespondent。Itwastheunrealityoftheworldthatmadeherso。Herdearestfriend，whoseheartseemedthemostsolidandrichestofHilda\'spossessions，hadnoexistenceforheranymore；andinthatdrearyvoid，outofwhichMiriamhaddisappeared，thesubstance，thetruth，theintegrityoflife，themotivesofeffort，thejoyofsuccess，haddepartedalongwithher。