\"Thatsoundslikeabittergibe，\"saidHilda，withthetearsspringingintohereyes。\"ButIcannothelpit。Itdoesnotaltermyperceptionofthetruth。Iftherebeanysuchdreadfulmixtureofgoodandevilasyouaffirm，——andwhichappearstomealmostmoreshockingthanpureevil，——thenthegoodisturnedtopoison，nottheeviltowholesomeness。\"
Thesculptorseemeddisposedtosaysomethingmore，butyieldedtothegentlesteadfastnesswithwhichHildadeclinedtolisten。Shegrewverysad；forareferencetothisonedismaltopichadset，asitwere，aprisondoorajar，andallowedathrongoftorturingrecollectionstoescapefromtheirdungeonsintothepureairandwhiteradianceofhersoul。ShebadeKenyonabrieferfarewellthanordinary，andwenthomewardtohertower。
Inspiteofhereffortstowithdrawthemtoothersubjects，herthoughtsdweltuponMiriam；and，ashadnotheretoforehappened，theybroughtwiththemapainfuldoubtwhetherawronghadnotbeencommittedonHilda\'spart，towardsthefriendoncesobeloved。
SomethingthatMiriamhadsaid，intheirfinalconversation，recurredtohermemory，andseemednowtodeservemoreweightthanHildahadassignedtoit，inherhorroratthecrimejustperpetrated。Itwasnotthatthedeedlookedlesswickedandterribleintheretrospect；
butsheaskedherselfwhethertherewerenototherquestionstobeconsidered，asidefromthatsingleoneofMiriam\'sguiltorinnocence；
as，forexample，whetheraclosebondoffriendship，inwhichweoncevoluntarilyengage，oughttobeseveredonaccountofanyunworthiness，whichwesubsequentlydetectinourfriend。For，intheseunionsofhearts，——callthemmarriage，orwhateverelse，——wetakeeachotherforbetterforworse。Availingourselvesofourfriend\'sintimateaffection，wepledgeourown，astoberelieduponineveryemergency。
Andwhatsadder，moredesperateemergencycouldtherebe，thanhadbefallenMiriam？Whomoreneedthetendersuccoroftheinnocent，thanwretchesstainedwithguilt！Andmustaselfishcareforthespotlessnessofourowngarmentskeepusfrompressingtheguiltyonesclosetoourhearts，wherein，fortheveryreasonthatweareinnocent，liestheirsecurestrefugefromfurtherill？
ItwasasadthingforHildatofindthismoralenigmapropoundedtoherconscience；andtofeelthat，whicheverwayshemightsettleit，therewouldbeacryofwrongontheotherside。Still，theideastubbornlycameback，thatthetiebetweenMiriamandherselfhadbeenreal，theaffectiontrue，andthatthereforetheimpliedcompactwasnottobeshakenoff。
\"Miriamlovedmewell，\"thoughtHildaremorsefully，\"andIfailedherathersorestneed。\"
Miriamlovedherwell；andnotlessardenthadbeentheaffectionwhichMiriam\'swarm，tender，andgenerouscharacteristicshadexcitedinHilda\'smorereservedandquietnature。Ithadneverbeenextinguished；for，inpart，thewretchednesswhichHildahadsinceenduredwasbutthestruggleandwrithingofhersensibility，stillyearningtowardsherfriend。Andnow，attheearliestencouragement，itawokeagain，andcriedoutpiteously，complainingoftheviolencethathadbeendoneit。
Recurringtothedelinquenciesofwhichshefanciedwesay\"fancied，\"
becausewedonotunhesitatinglyadoptHilda\'spresentview，butrathersupposehermisledbyherfeelings——ofwhichshefanciedherselfguiltytowardsherfriend，shesuddenlyrememberedasealedpacketthatMiriamhadconfidedtoher。Ithadbeenputintoherhandswithearnestinjunctionsofsecrecyandcare，andifunclaimedafteracertainperiod，wastobedeliveredaccordingtoitsaddress。
Hildahadforgottenit；or，rather，shehadkeptthethoughtofthiscommissioninthebackgroundofherconsciousness，withallotherthoughtsreferringtoMiriam。
Butnowtherecollectionofthispacket，andtheevidentstresswhichMiriamlaiduponitsdeliveryatthespecifiedtime，impelledHildatohurryupthestaircaseofhertower，dreadinglesttheperiodshouldalreadyhaveelapsed。
No；thehourhadnotgoneby，butwasontheverypointofpassing。
Hildareadthebriefnoteofinstruction，onacorneroftheenvelope，anddiscovered，that，incaseofMiriam\'sabsencefromRome，thepacketwastobetakentoitsdestinationthatveryday。
\"HownearlyIhadviolatedmypromise！\"saidHilda。\"And，sinceweareseparatedforever，ithasthesacrednessofaninjunctionfromadeadfriend。Thereisnotimetobelost。\"
SoHildasetforthinthedeclineoftheafternoon，andpursuedherwaytowardsthequarterofthecityinwhichstandsthePalazzoCenci。
Herhabitofself-reliancewassosimplystrong，sonatural，andnowsowellestablishedbylonguse，thattheideaofperilseldomorneveroccurredtoHilda，inherlonelylife。
Shediffered，inthisparticular，fromthegeneralityofhersex，——althoughthecustomsandcharacterofhernativelandoftenproducewomenwhomeettheworldwithgentlefearlessness，anddiscoverthatitsterrorshavebeenabsurdlyexaggeratedbythetraditionofmankind。
Inninety-ninecasesoutofahundred，theapprehensivenessofwomenisquitegratuitous。Evenasmattersnowstand，theyarereallysaferinperiloussituationsandemergenciesthanmen；andmightbestillmoreso，iftheytrustedthemselvesmoreconfidinglytothechivalryofmanhood。InallherwanderingsaboutRome，HildahadgoneandreturnedassecurelyasshehadbeenaccustomedtotreadthefamiliarstreetofherNewEnglandvillage，whereeveryfaceworealookofrecognition。Withrespecttowhateverwasevil，foul，andugly，inthispopulousandcorruptcity，shetrodasifinvisible，andnotonlyso，butblind。Shewasaltogetherunconsciousofanythingwickedthatwentalongthesamepathway，butwithoutjostlingorimpedingher，anymorethangrosssubstancehindersthewanderingsofaspirit。Thusitis，that，badastheworldissaidtohavegrown，innocencecontinuestomakeaparadisearounditself，andkeepitstillunfallen。
Hilda\'spresentexpeditionledherintowhatwas——physically，atleast——thefoulestandugliestpartofRome。InthatvicinityliestheGhetto，wherethousandsofJewsarecrowdedwithinanarrowcompass，andleadaclose，unclean，andmultitudinouslife，resemblingthatofmaggotswhentheyover-populateadecayingcheese。
Hildapassedonthebordersofthisregion，buthadnooccasiontostepwithinit。Itsneighborhood，however，naturallypartookofcharacteristics\'likeitsown。Therewasaconfusionofblackandhideoushouses，piledmassivelyoutoftheruinsofformerages；rudeanddestituteofplan，asapauperwouldbuildhishovel，andyetdisplayinghereandthereanarchedgateway，acornice，apillar，orabrokenarcade，thatmighthaveadornedapalace。Manyofthehouses，indeed，astheystood，mightoncehavebeenpalaces，andpossessedstillasqualidkindofgrandeur。Dirtwaseverywhere，strewingthenarrowstreets，andincrustingthetallshabbinessoftheedifices，fromthefoundationstotheroofs；itlayuponthethresholds，andlookedoutofthewindows，andassumedtheguiseofhumanlifeinthechildrenthatSeemedtobeengenderedoutofit。Theirfatherwasthesun，andtheirmother——aheapofRomanmud。
Itisaquestionofspeculativeinterest，whethertheancientRomanswereasuncleanapeopleasweeverywherefindthosewhohavesucceededthem。Thereappearstobeakindofmalignantspellinthespotsthathavebeeninhabitedbythesemastersoftheworld，ormadefamousintheirhistory；aninheritedandinalienablecurse，impellingtheirsuccessorstoflingdirtanddefilementuponwhatevertemple，column，minedpalace，ortriumphalarchmaybenearestathand，andoneverymonumentthattheoldRomansbuilt。Itismostprobablyaclassictrait，regularlytransmitteddownward，andperhapsalittlemodifiedbythebettercivilizationofChristianity；sothatCaesarmayhavetrodnarrowerandfilthierwaysinhispathtotheCapitol，thaneventhoseofmodernRome。
AsthepaternalabodeofBeatrice，thegloomyoldpalaceoftheCencishadaninterestforHilda，althoughnotsufficientlystrong，hitherto，toovercomethedishearteningeffectoftheexterior，anddrawheroveritsthreshold。Theadjacentpiazza，ofpooraspect，containedonlyanoldwomansellingroastedchestnutsandbakedsquash-seeds；
shelookedsharplyatHilda，andinquiredwhethershehadlostherway。
\"No，\"saidHilda；\"IseekthePalazzoCenci。\"
\"Yonderitis，fairsignorina，\"repliedtheRomanmatron。\"Ifyouwishthatpacketdelivered，whichIseeinyourhand，mygrandsonPietroshallrunwithitforabaiocco。TheCencipalaceisaspotofillomenforyoungmaidens。\"
Hildathankedtheolddame，butallegedthenecessityofdoinghererrandinperson。Sheapproachedthefrontofthepalace，which，withallitsimmensity，hadbutameanappearance，andseemedanabodewhichthelovelyshadeofBeatricewouldnotbeapttohaunt，unlessherdoommadeitinevitable。Somesoldiersstoodabouttheportal，andgazedatthebrown-haired，fair-cheekedAnglo-Saxongirl，withapprovingglances，butnotindecorously。Hildabegantoascendthestaircase，threeloftyflightsofwhichweretobesurmounted，beforereachingthedoorwhithershewasbound。
CHAPTERXLIII
THEEXTINCTIONOFALAMP
BetweenHildaandthesculptortherehadbeenakindofhalf-expressedunderstanding，thatbothweretovisitthegalleriesoftheVaticanthedaysubsequenttotheirmeetingatthestudio。Kenyon，accordingly，failednottobethere，andwanderedthroughthevastrangesofapartments，butsawnothingofhisexpectedfriend。Themarblefaces，whichstandinnumerablealongthewalls，andhavekeptthemselvessocalmthroughthevicissitudesoftwentycenturies，hadnosympathyforhisdisappointment；andhe，ontheotherhand，strodepastthesetreasuresandmarvelsofantiqueart，withtheindifferencewhichanypreoccupationofthefeelingsisapttoproduce，inreferencetoobjectsofsculpture。Beingofsocoldandpureasubstance，andmostlyderivingtheirvitalitymorefromthoughtthanpassion，theyrequiretobeseenthroughaperfectlytransparentmedium。
And，moreover，KenyonhadcountedsomuchuponHilda\'sdelicateperceptionsinenablinghimtolookattwoorthreeofthestatues，aboutwhichtheyhadtalkedtogether，thattheentirepurposeofhisvisitwasdefeatedbyherabsence。Itisadelicioussortofmutualaid，whentheunitedpoweroftwosympathetic，yetdissimilar，intelligencesisbroughttobearuponapoembyreadingitaloud，oruponapictureorstatuebyviewingitineachother\'scompany。Evenifnotawordofcriticismbeuttered，theinsightofeitherpartyiswonderfullydeepened，andthecomprehensionbroadened；sothattheinnermysteryofaworkofgenius，hiddenfromone，willoftenrevealitselftotwo。Missingsuchhelp，KenyonsawnothingattheVaticanwhichhehadnotseenathousandtimesbefore，andmoreperfectlythannow。
Inthechiliofhisdisappointment，hesuspectedthatitwasaverycoldarttowhichhehaddevotedhimself。Hequestioned，atthatmoment，whethersculpturereallyeversoftensandwarmsthematerialwhichithandles；whethercarvedmarbleisanythingbutlimestone，afterall；andwhethertheApolloBelvedereitselfpossessesanymeritaboveitsphysicalbeauty，orisbeyondcriticismeveninthatgenerallyacknowledgedexcellence。Inflittingglances，heretofore，hehadseemedtobeholdthisstatue，assomethingetherealandgodlike，butnotnow。
Nothingpleasedhim，unlessitwerethegroupoftheLaocoon，which，initsimmortalagony，impressedKenyonasatypeofthelong，fiercestruggleofman，involvedintheknottedentanglementsofErrorandEvil，thosetwosnakes，which，ifnodivinehelpintervene，willbesuretostranglehimandhischildrenintheend。Whathemostadmiredwasthestrangecalmnessdiffusedthroughthisbitterstrife；
sothatitresembledtherageoftheseamadecalmbyitsimmensity，\'
orthetumultofNiagarawhichceasestobetumultbecauseitlastsforever。Thus，intheLaocoon，thehorrorofamomentgrewtobethefateofinterminableages。Kenyonlookeduponthegroupastheonetriumphofsculpture，creatingtherepose，whichisessentialtoit，intheveryacmeofturbulenteffort；but，intruth，itwashismoodofunwonteddespondencythatmadehimsosensitivetotheterriblemagnificence，aswellastothesadmoral，ofthiswork。Hildaherselfcouldnothavehelpedhimtoseeitwithnearlysuchintelligence。
Agooddealmoredepressedthanthenatureofthedisappointmentwarranted，Kenyonwenttohisstudio，andtookinhandagreatlumpofclay。Hesoonfound，however，thathisplasticcunninghaddepartedfromhimforthetime。SohewanderedforthagainintotheuneasystreetsofRome，andwalkedupanddowntheCorso，where，atthatperiodoftheday，athrongofpassers-byandloitererschokedupthenarrowsidewalk。Apenitentwasthusbroughtincontactwiththesculptor。
Itwasafigureinawhiterobe，withakindoffeaturelessmaskovertheface，throughtheaperturesofwhichtheeyesthrewanunintelligiblelight。Suchodd，questionableshapesareoftenseenglidingthroughthestreetsofItaliancities，andareunderstoodtobeusuallypersonsofrank，whoquittheirpalaces，theirgayeties，theirpompandpride，andassumethepenitentialgarbforaseason，withaviewofthusexpiatingsomecrime，oratoningfortheaggregateofpettysinsthatmakeupaworldlylife。Itistheircustomtoaskalms，andperhapstomeasurethedurationoftheirpenancebythetimerequisitetoaccumulateasumofmoneyoutofthelittledroppingsofindividualcharity。Theavailsaredevotedtosomebeneficentorreligiouspurpose；sothatthebenefitaccruingtotheirownsoulsis，inamanner，linkedwithagooddone，orintended，totheirfellow-men。
Thesefigureshaveaghastlyandstartlingeffect，notsomuchfromanyveryimpressivepeculiarityinthegarb，asfromthemysterywhichtheybearaboutwiththem，andthesensethatthereisanacknowledgedsinfulnessasthenucleusofit。
Inthepresentinstance，however，thepenitentaskednoalmsofKenyon；
although，forthespaceofaminuteortwo，theystoodfacetoface，theholloweyesofthemaskencounteringthesculptor\'sgaze。But，justasthecrowdwasabouttoseparatethem，theformerspoke，inavoicenotunfamiliartoKenyon，thoughrenderedremoteandstrangebytheguiltyveilthroughwhichitpenetrated。
\"Isallwellwithyou，Signore？\"inquiredthepenitent，outofthecloudinwhichhewalked。
\"Alliswell，\"answeredKenyon。\"Andwithyou？\"
Butthemaskedpenitentreturnednoanswer，beingborneawaybythepressureofthethrong。
Thesculptorstoodwatchingthefigure，andwasalmostofamindtohurryafterhimandfollowuptheconversationthathadbeenbegun；
butitoccurredtohimthatthereisasanctityor，aswemightrathertermit，aninviolableetiquettewhichprohibitstherecognitionofpersonswhochoosetowalkundertheveilofpenitence。
\"Howstrange！\"thoughtKenyontohimself。\"ItwassurelyDonatello！
WhatcanbringhimtoRome，wherehisrecollectionsmustbesopainful，andhispresencenotwithoutperil？AndMiriam！Canshehaveaccompaniedhim？\"
Hewalkedon，thinkingofthevastchangeinDonatello，sincethosedaysofgayetyandinnocence，whentheyoungItalianwasnewinRome，andwasjustbeginningtobesensibleofamorepoignantfelicitythanhehadyetexperienced，inthesunnywarmthofMiriam\'ssmile。Thegrowthofasoul，whichthesculptorhalfimaginedthathehadwitnessedinhisfriend，seemedhardlyworththeheavypricethatithadcost，inthesacrificeofthosesimpleenjoymentsthatweregoneforever。Acreatureofantiquehealthfulnesshadvanishedfromtheearth；and，inhisstead，therewasonlyoneothermorbidandremorsefulman，amongmillionsthatwerecastinthesameindistinguishablemould。
TheaccidentofthusmeetingDonatellothegladFaunofhisimaginationandmemory，nowtransformedintoagloomypenitent——contributedtodeepenthecloudthathadfallenoverKenyon\'sspirits。Itcausedhimtofancy，aswegenerallydo，inthepettytroubleswhichextendnotahand\'s-breadthbeyondourownsphere，thatthewholeworldwassaddeningaroundhim。Ittookthesinisteraspectofanomen，althoughhecouldnotdistinctlyseewhattroubleitmightforebode。
Ifithadnotbeenforapeculiarsortofpique，withwhichloversaremuchconversant，apreposterouskindofresentmentwhichendeavorstowreakitselfonthebelovedobject，andonone\'sownheart，inrequitalofmishapsforwhichneitherareinfault，KenyonmightatoncehavebetakenhimselftoHilda\'sstudio，andaskedwhytheappointmentwasnotkept。Buttheinterviewofto-daywastohavebeensorichinpresentjoy，anditsresultssoimportanttohisfuturelife，thatthebleakfailurewastoomuchforhisequanimity。
HewasangrywithpoorHilda，andcensuredherwithoutahearing；
angrywithhimself，too，andthereforeinflictedonthislattercriminaltheseverestpenaltyinhispower；angrywiththedaythatwaspassingoverhim，andwouldnotpermititslatterhourstoredeemthedisappointmentofthemorning。
Toconfessthetruth，ithadbeenthesculptor\'spurposetostakeallhishopesonthatinterviewinthegalleriesoftheVatican。StrayingwithHildathroughthoselongvistasofidealbeauty，hemeant，atlast，toutterhimselfuponthatthemewhichloversarefaintodiscussinvillagelanes，inwoodpaths，onseasidesands，incrowdedstreets；itlittlematterswhere，indeed，sincerosesaresuretoblushalongtheway，anddaisiesandvioletstospringbeneaththefeet，ifthespokenwordbegraciouslyreceived。HewasresolvedtomakeproofwhetherthekindnessthatHildaevincedforhimwastheprecioustokenofanindividualpreference，ormerelythesweetfragranceofherdisposition，whichotherfriendsmightshareaslargelyashimself。Hewouldtryifitwerepossibletotakethisshy，yetfrank，andinnocentlyfearlesscreaturecaptive，andimprisonherinhisheart，andmakehersensibleofawiderfreedomthere，thaninalltheworldbesides。
Itwashard，wemustallow，toseetheshadowofawintrysunsetfallinguponadaythatwastohavebeensobright，andtofindhimselfjustwhereyesterdayhadlefthim，onlywithasenseofbeingdrearilybalked，anddefeatedwithoutanopportunityforstruggle。Somuchhadbeenanticipatedfromthesenowvanishedhours，thatitseemedasifnootherdaycouldbringbackthesamegoldenhopes。
Inacaselikethis，itisdoubtfulwhetherKenyoncouldhavedoneamuchbetterthingthanheactuallydid，bygoingtodineattheCafeNuovo，anddrinkingaflaskofMontefiascone；longing，thewhile，forabeakerortwoofDonatello\'sSunshine。Itwouldhavebeenjustthewinetocurealover\'smelancholy，byilluminatinghisheartwithtenderlightandwarmth，andsuggestionsofundefinedhopes，tooetherealforhismorbidhumortoexamineandrejectthem。
NodecidedimprovementresultingfromthedraughtofMontefiascone，hewenttotheTeatroArgentino，andsatgloomilytoseeanItaliancomedy，whichoughttohavecheeredhimsomewhat，beingfullofglancingmerriment，andeffectiveovereverybody\'sdisabilitiesexcepthisown。Thesculptorcameout，however，beforethecloseoftheperformance，asdisconsolateashewentin。
Ashemadehiswaythroughthecomplicationofnarrowstreets，whichperplexthatportionofthecity，acarriagepassedhim。Itwasdrivenrapidly，butnottoofastforthelightofagas-lamptoflareuponafacewithin——especiallyasitwasbentforward，appearingtorecognizehim，whileabeckoninghandwasprotrudedfromthewindow。
Onhispart，Kenyonatonceknewtheface，andhastenedtothecarriage，whichhadnowstopped。
\"Miriam！youinRome？\"heexclaimed\"Andyourfriendsknownothingofit？\"
\"Isallwellwithyou？\"sheasked。
Thisinquiry，intheidenticalwordswhichDonatellohadsorecentlyaddressedtohimfrombeneaththepenitent\'smask，startledthesculptor。Eitherthepreviousdisquietudeofhismind，orsometoneinMiriam\'svoice，ortheunaccountablenessofbeholdingherthereatall，madeitseemominous。
\"Alliswell，Ibelieve，\"answeredhedoubtfully。\"Iamawareofnomisfortune。Haveyouanytoannounce\'？\"
HelookedstillmoreearnestlyatMiriam，andfeltadreamyuncertaintywhetheritwasreallyherselftowhomhespoke。True；
therewerethosebeautifulfeatures，thecontourofwhichhehadstudiedtoooften，andwithasculptor\'saccuracyofperception，tobeinanydoubtthatitwasMiriam\'sidenticalface。Buthewasconsciousofachange，thenatureofwhichhecouldnotsatisfactorilydefine；itmightbemerelyherdress，which，imperfectasthelightwas，hesawtobericherthanthesimplegarbthatshehadusuallyworn。Theeffect，hefancied，waspartlyowingtoagemwhichshehadonherbosom；notadiamond，butsomethingthatglimmeredwithaclear，redlustre，likethestarsinasouthernsky。Somehoworother，thiscoloredlightseemedanemanationofherself，asifallthatwaspassionateandglowinginhernativedispositionhadcrystallizeduponherbreast，andwerejustnowscintillatingmorebrilliantlythanever，insympathywithsomeemotionofherheart。
OfcoursetherecouldbenorealdoubtthatitwasMiriam，hisartistfriend，withwhomandHildahehadspentsomanypleasantandfamiliarhours，andwhomhehadlastseenatPerugia，bendingwithDonatellobeneaththebronzepope\'sbenediction。ItmustbethatselfsameMiriam；butthesensitivesculptorfeltadifferenceofmanner，whichimpressedhimmorethanheconceiveditpossibletobeaffectedbysoexternalathing。HerememberedthegossipsoprevalentinRomeonMiriam\'sfirstappearance；howthatshewasnorealartist，butthedaughterofanillustriousorgoldenlineage，whowasmerelyplayingatnecessity；minglingwithhumanstruggleforherpastime；steppingoutofhernativesphereonlyforaninterlude，justasaprincessmightalightfromhergildedequipagetogoonfootthrougharusticlane。Andnow，afteramaskinwhichloveanddeathhadperformedtheirseveralparts，shehadresumedherpropercharacter。
\"Haveyouanythingtotellme？\"criedheimpatiently；fornothingcausesamoredisagreeablevibrationofthenervesthanthisperceptionofambiguousnessinfamiliarpersonsoraffairs。\"Speak；
formyspiritsandpatiencehavebeenmuchtriedto-day。\"
Miriamputherfingeronherlips，andseemeddesirousthatKenyonshouldknowofthepresenceofathirdperson。Henowsaw，indeed，that，therewassomeonebesideherinthecarriage，hithertoconcealedbyherattitude；aman，itappeared，withasallowItalianface，whichthesculptordistinguishedbutimperfectly，anddidnotrecognize。
\"Icantellyounothing，\"shereplied；andleaningtowardshim，shewhispered，——appearingthenmoreliketheMiriamwhomheknewthaninwhathadbeforepassed，——\"Only，whenthelampgoesoutdonotdespair。\"
Thecarriagedroveon，leavingKenyontomuseoverthisunsatisfactoryinterview，whichseemedtohaveservednobetterpurposethantofillhismindwithmoreominousforebodingsthanbefore。WhywereDonatelloandMiriaminRome，whereboth，inalllikelihood，mighthavemuchtodread？Andwhyhadoneandtheotheraddressedhimwithaquestionthatseemedpromptedbyaknowledgeofsomecalamity，eitheralreadyfallenonhisunconscioushead，orimpendingcloselyoverhim？
\"Iamsluggish，\"mutteredKenyon，tohimself；\"aweak，nervelessfool，devoidofenergyandpromptitude；orneitherDonatellonorMiriamcouldhaveescapedmethus！Theyareawareofsomemisfortunethatconcernsmedeeply。HowsoonamItoknowittoo？\"
Thereseemedbutasinglecalamitypossibletohappenwithinsonarrowasphereasthatwithwhichthesculptorwasconnected；andeventothatonemodeofevilhecouldassignnodefiniteshape，butonlyfeltthatitmusthavesomereferencetoHilda。
Flingingasidethemorbidhesitation，andthedallyingswithhisownwishes，whichhehadpermittedtoinfluencehismindthroughouttheday，henowhastenedtotheViaPortoghese。Soontheoldpalacestoodbeforehim，withitsmassivetowerrisingintothecloudednight；
obscuredfromviewatitsmidmostelevation，butrevealedagain，higherupward，bytheVirgin\'slampthattwinkledonthesummit。
Feebleasitwas，inthebroad，surroundinggloom，thatlittleraymadenoinconsiderableilluminationamongKenyon\'ssombrethoughts；
for；rememberingMiriam\'slastwords，afantasyhadseizedhimthatheshouldfindthesacredlampextinguished。
Andevenwhilehestoodgazing，asamarineratthestarinwhichheputhistrust，thelightquivered，sank，gleamedupagain，andfinallywentout，leavingthebattlementsofHilda\'stowerinutterdarkness。
Forthefirsttimeincenturies，theconsecratedandlegendaryflamebeforetheloftiestshrineinRomehadceasedtoburn。
CHAPTERXLIV
THEDESERTEDSHRINE
KenyonknewthesanctitywhichHildafaithfulProtestant，anddaughterofthePuritans，asthegirlwasimputedtothisshrine。Hewasawareoftheprofoundfeelingofresponsibility，aswellearthlyasreligious，withwhichherconsciencehadbeenimpressed，whenshebecametheoccupantofheraerialchamber，andundertookthetaskofkeepingtheconsecratedlampalight。TherewasanaccuracyandacertaintyaboutHilda\'smovements，asregardedallmattersthatlaydeepenoughtohavetheirrootsinrightorwrong，whichmadeitaspossibleandsafetorelyuponthetimelyandcarefultrimmingofthislampifshewereinlife，andabletocreepupthesteps，asupontherisingofto-morrow\'ssun，withlustre-undiminishedfromto-day。
Thesculptorcouldscarcelybelievehiseyes，therefore，whenhesawtheflameflickerandexpire。Hissighthadsurelydeceivedhim。Andnow，sincethelightdidnotreappear，theremustbesomesmokewreathorimpenetrablemistbroodingaboutthetower\'sgrayoldhead，andobscuringitfromthelowerworld。Butno！Forrightoverthedimbattlements，asthewindchasedawayamassofclouds，hebeheldastar，andmoreover，byanearnestconcentrationofhissight，wassoonabletodiscerneventhedarkenedshrineitself。Therewasnoobscurityaroundthetower；noinfirmityofhisownvision。Theflamehadexhausteditssupplyofoil，andbecomeextinct。ButwherewasHilda？
Amaninacloakhappenedtobepassing；andKenyon——anxioustodistrustthetestimonyofhissenses，ifhecouldgetmoreacceptableevidenceontheotherside——appealedtohim。
\"Domethefavor，Signore，\"saidhe，\"tolookatthetopofyondertower，andtellmewhetheryouseethelampburningattheVirgin\'sshrine。\"
\"Thelamp，Signore？\"answeredtheman，withoutatfirsttroublinghimselftolookup。\"Thelampthathasburnedthesefourhundredyears！Howisitpossible，Signore，thatitshouldnotbeburningnow？\"\"Butlook！\"saidthesculptorimpatiently。Withgood-naturedindulgenceforwhatheseemedtoconsiderasthewhimofaneccentricForestiero，theItaliancarelesslythrewhiseyesupwards；but，assoonasheperceivedthattherewasreallynolight，heliftedhishandswithavividexpressionofwonderandalarm。
\"Thelampisextinguished！\"criedhe。\"Thelampthathasbeenburningthesefourhundredyears！Thissurelymustportendsomegreatmisfortune；and，bymyadvice，Signore，youwillhastenhence，lestthetowertumbleonourheads。Apriestoncetoldmethat，iftheVirginwithdrewherblessingandthelightwentout，theoldPalazzodelTortewouldsinkintotheearth，withallthatdwellinit。Therewillbeaterriblecrashbeforemorning！\"
Thestrangermadethebestofhiswayfromthedoomedpremises；whileKenyon——whowouldwillinglyhaveseenthetowercrumbledownbeforehiseyes，onconditionofHilda\'ssafety——determined，lateasitwas，toattemptascertainingifshewereinherdove-cote。
Passingthroughthearchedentrance，——which，asisoftenthecasewithRomanentrances，wasasaccessibleatmidnightasatnoon，——hegropedhiswaytothebroadstaircase，and，lightinghiswaxtaper，wentglimmeringupthemultitudeofstepsthatledtoHilda\'sdoor。Thehourbeingsounseasonable，heintendedmerelytoknock，and，assoonashervoicefromwithinshouldreassurehim，toretire，keepinghisexplanationsandapologiesforafittertime。Accordingly，reachingtheloftyheightwherethemaiden，ashetrusted，layasleep，withangelswatchingoverher，thoughtheVirginseemedtohavesuspendedhercare，hetappedlightlyatthedoorpanels，——thenknockedmoreforcibly，——thenthunderedanimpatientsummons。Noanswercame；Hilda，evidently，wasnotthere。
Afterassuringhimselfthatthismustbethefact，Kenyondescendedthestairs，butmadeapauseateverysuccessivestage，andknockedatthedoorofitsapartment，regardlesswhoseslumbershemightdisturb，inhisanxietytolearnwherethegirlhadlastbeenseen。But，ateachclosedentrance，therecamethosehollowechoes，whichachamber，oranydwelling，greatorsmall，neversendsout，inresponsetohumanknucklesorironhammer，aslongasthereislifewithintokeepitsheartfromgettingdreary。
Onceindeed，onthelowerlanding-place，thesculptorfanciedthattherewasamomentarystirinsidethedoor，asifsomebodywerelisteningatthethreshold。Hehoped，atleast，thatthesmalliron-barredaperturewouldbeunclosed，throughwhichRomanhousekeepersarewonttotakecarefulcognizanceofapplicantsforadmission，fromatraditionarydread，perhaps，oflettinginarobberorassassin。Butitremainedshut；neitherwasthesoundrepeated；
andKenyonconcludedthathisexcitednerveshadplayedatrickuponhissenses，astheyareapttodowhenwemostwishfortheclearevidenceofthelatter。
Therewasnothingtobedone，savetogoheavilyaway，andawaitwhatevergoodorillto-morrow\'sdaylightmightdisclose。
Betimesinthemorning，therefore，KenyonwentbacktotheViaPortoghese，beforetheslantraysofthesunhaddescendedhalfwaydownthegrayfrontofHilda\'stower。Ashedrewnearitsbase，hesawthedovesperchedinfullsession，onthesunnyheightofthebattlements，andapairofthem——whowereprobablytheirmistress\'sespecialpets，andtheconfidantsofherbosomsecrets，ifHildahadany——cameshootingdown，andmadeafeintofalightingonhisshoulder。
But，thoughtheyevidentlyrecognizedhim，theirshynesswouldnotyetallowsodecidedademonstration。Kenyon\'seyesfollowedthemastheyflewupward，hopingthattheymighthavecomeasjoyfulmessengersofthegirl\'ssafety，andthatheshoulddiscernherslenderform，halfhiddenbytheparapet，trimmingtheextinguishedlampattheVirgin\'sshrine，justasothermaidenssetaboutthelittledutiesofahousehold。Or，perhaps，hemightseehergentleandsweetfacesmilingdownuponhim，midwaytowardsheaven，asifshehadflownthitherforadayortwo，justtovisitherkindred，buthadbeendrawnearthwardagainbythespellofunacknowledgedlove。
Buthiseyeswereblessedbynosuchfairvisionorreality；nor，intruth，weretheeager，unquietflutteringsofthedovesindicativeofanyjoyfulintelligence，whichtheylongedtosharewithHilda\'sfriend，butofanxiousinquiriesthattheyknewnothowtoutter。
Theycouldnottell，anymorethanhe，whithertheirlostcompanionhadwithdrawnherself，butwereinthesamevoiddespondencywithhim，feelingtheirsunnyandairylivesdarkenedandgrownimperfect，nowthathersweetsocietywastakenoutofit。
Inthebriskmorningair，Kenyonfounditmucheasiertopursuehisresearchesthanattheprecedingmidnight，when，ifanyslumberersheardtheclamorthathemade，theyhadrespondedonlywithsullenanddrowsymaledictions，andturnedtosleepagain。Itmustbeaverydearandintimaterealityforwhichpeoplewillbecontenttogiveupadream。Whenthesunwasfairlyup，however，itwasquiteanotherthing。Theheterogeneouspopulation，inhabitingthelowerflooroftheoldtower，andtheotherextensiveregionsofthepalace，werenowwillingtotellalltheyknew，andimagineagreatdealmore。TheamiabilityoftheseItalians，assistedbytheirsharpandnimblewits，causedthemtooverflowwithplausiblesuggestions，andtobeverybounteousintheiravowalsofinterestforthelostHilda。Inalessdemonstrativepeople，suchexpressionswouldhaveimpliedaneagernesstosearchlandandsea，andneverresttillshewerefound。Inthemouthsthatutteredthemtheymeantgoodwishes，andwere，sofar，betterthanindifference。Therewaslittledoubtthatmanyofthemfeltagenuinekindnessfortheshy，brown-haired，delicateyoungforeignmaiden，whohadflownfromsomedistantlandtoalightupontheirtower，wheresheconsortedonlywiththedoves。Buttheirenergyexpendeditselfinexclamation，andtheywerecontenttoleaveallmoreactivemeasurestoKenyon，andtotheVirgin，whoseaffairitwastoseethatthefaithfulvotaryofherlampreceivednoharm。
InagreatParisiandomicile，multifariousasitsinhabitantsmightbe，theconciergeunderthearchwaywouldbecognizantofalltheirincomingsandissuingsforth。Butexceptinrarecases，thegeneralentranceandmainstaircaseofaRomanhouseareleftasfreeasthestreet，ofwhichtheyformasortofby-lane。Thesculptor，therefore，couldhopetofindinformationaboutHilda\'smovementsonlyfromcasualobservers。
Onprobingtheknowledgeofthesepeopletothebottom，therewasvarioustestimonyastotheperiodwhenthegirlhadlastbeenseen。
Somesaidthatitwasfourdayssincetherehadbeenatraceofher；
butanEnglishlady，inthesecondpianoofthepalace，wasratherofopinionthatshehadmether，themorningbefore，withadrawing-bookinherhand。Havingnoacquaintancewiththeyoungperson，shehadtakenlittlenoticeandmighthavebeenmistaken。Acount，onthepianonextabove，wasverycertainthathehadliftedhishattoHilda，underthearchway，twoafternoonsago。Anoldwoman，whohadformerlytendedtheshrine，threwsomelightuponthematter，bytestifyingthatthelamprequiredtobereplenishedonce，atleast，inthreedays，thoughitsreservoirofoilwasexceedinglycapacious。
Onthewhole，thoughtherewasotherevidenceenoughtocreatesomeperplexity，Kenyoncouldnotsatisfyhimselfthatshehadbeenvisiblesincetheafternoonofthethirdprecedingday，whenafruitsellerrememberedhercomingoutofthearchedpassage，withasealedpacketinherhand。Asnearlyashecouldascertain，thiswaswithinanhourafterHildahadtakenleaveofthesculptorathisownstudio，withtheunderstandingthattheyweretomeetattheVaticanthenextday。
Twonights，therefore，hadintervened，duringwhichthelostmaidenwasunaccountedfor。
ThedoorofHilda\'sapartmentswasstilllocked，asontheprecedingnight；butKenyonsoughtoutthewifeofthepersonwhosubletthem，andprevailedonhertogivehimadmittancebymeansoftheduplicatekeywhichthegoodwomanhadinherpossession。Onentering，themaidenlyneatnessandsimplegrace，recognizableinallthearrangements，madehimvisiblysensiblethatthiswasthedailyhauntofapuresoul，inwhomreligionandtheloveofbeautywereatone。
Thence，thesturdyRomanmatronledthesculptoracrossanarrowpassage，andthrewopenthedoorofasmallchamber，onthethresholdofwhichhereverentlypaused。Within，therewasabed，coveredwithwhitedrapery，enclosedwithsnowycurtainslikeatent，andofbarelywidthenoughforaslenderfiguretoreposeuponit。Thesightofthiscool，airy，andsecludedbowercausedthelover\'shearttostirasifenoughofHilda\'sgentledreamswerelingeringtheretomakehimhappyforasingleinstant。Butthencamethecloserconsciousnessofherloss，bringingalongwithitasharpstingofanguish。
\"Behold，Signore，\"saidthematron；\"hereisthelittlestaircasebywhichthesignorinausedtoascendandtrimtheBlessedVirgin\'slamp。
ShewasworthytobeaCatholic，suchpainsthegoodchildbestowedtokeepitburning；anddoubtlesstheBlessedMarywillintercedeforher，inconsiderationofherpiousoffices，hereticthoughshewas。
Whatwillbecomeoftheoldpalazzo，nowthatthelampisextinguished，thesaintsaboveusonlyknow！Willyoumount，Signore，tothebattlements，andseeifshehaveleftanytraceofherselfthere？\"
Thesculptorsteppedacrossthechamberandascendedthelittlestaircase，whichgavehimaccesstothebreezysummitofthetower。
Itaffectedhiminexpressiblytoseeabouquetofbeautifulflowersbeneaththeshrine，andtorecognizeinthemanofferingofhisowntoHilda，whohadputtheminavaseofwater，anddedicatedthemtotheVirgin，inaspiritpartlyfanciful，perhaps，butstillpartakingofthereligioussentimentwhichsoprofoundlyinfluencedhercharacter。
Onerosebud，indeed，shehadselectedforherselffromtherichmassofflowers；forKenyonwellrememberedrecognizingitinherbosomwhenhelastsawherathisstudio。
\"Thatlittlepartofmygreatloveshetook，\"saidhetohimself。
\"TheremaindershewouldhavedevotedtoHeaven；buthasleftitwitheringinthesunandwind。Ah！Hilda，Hilda，hadyougivenmearighttowatchoveryou，thisevilhadnotcome！\"
\"Benotdowncast，signorinomio，\"saidtheRomanmatron，inresponsetothedeepsighwhichstruggledoutofKenyon\'sbreast。\"Thedearlittlemaiden，aswesee，hasdeckedyonderblessedshrineasdevoutlyasImyself，oranyOthergoodCatholicwoman，couldhavedone。Itisareligiousact，andhasmorethantheefficacyofaprayer。Thesignorinawillassurelycomebackasthesunwillfallthroughthewindowto-morrownolessthanto-day。Herowndoveshaveoftenbeenmissingforadayortwo，buttheyweresuretocomeflutteringaboutherheadagain，whensheleastexpectedthem。Sowillitbewiththisdove-likechild。\"
\"Itmightbeso，\"thoughtKenyon，withyearninganxiety，\"ifapuremaidenwereassafeasadove，inthisevilworldofours。\"
Astheyreturnedthroughthestudio，withthefurnitureandarrangementsofwhichthesculptorwasfamiliar，hemissedasmallebonywriting-deskthatherememberedashavingalwaysbeenplacedonatablethere。HeknewthatitwasHilda\'scustomtodepositherlettersinthisdesk，aswellasotherlittleobjectsofwhichshewishedtobespeciallycareful。
\"Whathasbecomeofit？\"hesuddenlyinquired，layinghishandonthetable。
\"Becomeofwhat，pray？\"exclaimedthewoman，alittledisturbed。
\"DoestheSignoresuspectarobbery，then？\"
\"Thesignorina\'swriting-deskisgone，\"repliedKenyon；\"italwaysstoodonthistable，andImyselfsawitthereonlyafewdaysago。\"
\"Ah，well！\"saidthewoman，recoveringhercomposure，whichsheseemedpartlytohavelost。\"Thesignorinahasdoubtlesstakenitawaywithher。Thefactisofgoodomen；foritprovesthatshedidnotgounexpectedly，andislikelytoreturnwhenitmaybestsuitherconvenience。\"
\"Thisisverysingular，\"observedKenyon。\"Havetheroomsbeenenteredbyyourself，oranyotherperson，sincethesignorina\'sdisappearance？\"
\"Notbyme，Signore，sohelpmeHeavenandthesaints！\"saidthematron。\"AndIquestionwhethertherearemorethantwokeysinRomethatwillsuitthisstrangeoldlock。Hereisone；andasfortheother，thesignorinacarliesitinherpocket。\"
Thesculptorhadnoreasontodoubtthewordofthisrespectabledame。
Sheappearedtobewellmeaningandkindhearted，asRomanmatronsgenerallyare；exceptwhenafitofpassionincitesthemtoshowerhorriblecursesonanobnoxiousindividual，orperhapstostabhimwiththesteelstilettothatservesthemforahairpin。ButItalianasseverationsofanyquestionablefact，howevertruetheymaychancetobe，havenowitnessoftheirtruthinthefacesofthosewhoutterthem。Theirwordsarespokenwithstrangeearnestness，andyetdonotvouchforthemselvesascomingfromanydepth，likerootsdrawnoutofthesubstanceofthesoul，withsomeofthesoilclingingtothem。
Thereisalwaysasomethinginscrutable，insteadoffrankness，intheireyes。Inshort，theyliesomuchliketruth，andspeaktruthsomuchasiftheyweretellingalie，thattheirauditorsuspectshimselfinthewrong，whetherhebelievesordisbelievesthem；itbeingtheonethingcertain，thatfalsehoodisseldomanintolerableburdentothetenderestofItalianconsciences。
\"Itisverystrangewhatcanhavebecomeofthedesk！\"repeatedKenyon，lookingthewomanintheface。
\"Verystrange，indeed，Signore，\"sherepliedmeekly，withoutturningawayhereyesintheleast，butcheckinghisinsightofthematabouthalfaninchbelowthesurface。\"Ithinkthesignorinamusthavetakenitwithher。\"
Itseemedidletolingerhereanylonger。Kenyonthereforedeparted，aftermakinganarrangementwiththewoman，bythetermsofwhichshewastoallowtheapartmentstoremainintheirpresentstate，onhisassumingtheresponsibilityfortherent。
Hespentthedayinmakingsuchfurthersearchandinvestigationashefoundpracticable；and，thoughatfirsttrammelledbyanunwillingnesstodrawpublicattentiontoHilda\'saffairs，theurgencyofthecircumstancessooncompelledhimtobethoroughlyinearnest。Inthecourseofaweek，hetriedallconceivablemodesoffathomingthemystery，notmerelybyhispersonaleffortsandthoseofhisbrotherartistsandfriends，butthroughthepolice，whoreadilyundertookthetask，andexpressedstrongconfidenceofsuccess。ButtheRomanpolicehasverylittleefficiency，exceptintheinterestofthedespotismofwhichitisatool。Withtheircockedhats，shoulderbelts，andswords，theywearasufficientlyimposingaspect，anddoubtlesskeeptheireyesopenwideenoughtotrackapoliticaloffender，butaretoooftenblindtoprivateoutrage，beitmurderoranylessercrime。Kenyoncountedlittleupontheirassistance，andprofitedbyitnotatall。
RememberingthemysticwordswhichMiriamhadaddressedtohim，hewasanxioustomeether，butknewnotwhithershehadgone，norhowtoobtainanintervieweitherwithherselforDonatello。Thedaysworeaway，andstilltherewerenotidingsofthelostone；nolamprekindledbeforetheVirgin\'sshrine；nolightshiningintothelover\'sheart；nostarofHope——hewasreadytosay，asheturnedhiseyesalmostreproachfullyupward——inheavenitself！
CHAPTERXLV
THEFLIGHTOFHILDA\'SDOVES
AlongwiththelamponHilda\'stower，thesculptornowfeltthatalighthadgoneout，or，atleast，wasominouslyobscured，towhichheowedwhatevercheerfulnesshadheretoforeilluminatedhiscold，artisticlife。Theideaofthisgirlhadbeenlikeataperofvirginwax，burningwithapureandsteadyflame，andchasingawaytheevilspiritsoutofthemagiccircleofitsbeams。Ithaddarteditsraysafar，andmodifiedthewholesphereinwhichKenyonhadhisbeing。
Beholdingitnomore，heatoncefoundhimselfindarknessandastray。
Thiswasthetime，perhaps，whenKenyonfirstbecamesensiblewhatadrearycityisRome，andwhataterribleweightisthereimposedonhumanlife，whenanygloomwithintheheartcorrespondstothespellofruinthathasbeenthrownoverthesiteofancientempire。Hewandered，asitwere，andstumbledoverthefallencolumns，andamongthetombs，andgropedhiswayintothesepulchraldarknessofthecatacombs，andfoundnopathemergingfromthem。Thehappymaywellenoughcontinuetobesuch，beneaththebrilliantskyofRome。But，ifyougothitherinmelancholymood，ifyougowitharuininyourheart，orwithavacantsitethere，whereoncestoodtheairyfabricofhappiness，nowvanished，——alltheponderousgloomoftheRomanPastwillpileitselfuponthatspot，andcrushyoudownaswiththeheaped-upmarbleandgranite，theearth-mounds，andmultitudinousbricksofitsmaterialdecay。
Itmightbesupposedthatamelancholymanwouldheremakeacquaintancewithagrimphilosophy。Heshouldlearntobearpatientlyhisindividualgriefs，thatendureonlyforonelittlelifetime，whenherearethetokensofsuchinfinitemisfortuneonanimperialscale，andwhensomanyfarlandmarksoftime，allaroundhim，arebringingtheremotenessofathousandyearsagointothesphereofyesterday。Butitisinvainthatyouseekthisshrubofbittersweetnessamongtheplantsthatrootthemselvesontheroughnessofmassivewalls，ortraildownwardfromthecapitalsofpillars，orspringoutofthegreenturfinthepalaceoftheCaesars。ItdoesnotgrowinRome；notevenamongthefivehundredvariousweedswhichdeckthegrassyarchesoftheColiseum。Youlookthroughavistaofcenturybeyondcentury，——throughmuchshadow，andalittlesunshine，——throughbarbarismandcivilization，alternatingwithoneanotherlikeactorsthathaveprearrangedtheirparts：throughabroadpathwayofprogressivegenerationsborderedbypalacesandtemples，andbestriddenbyold，triumphalarches，until，inthedistance，youbeholdtheobelisks，withtheirunintelligibleinscriptions，hintingatapastinfinitelymoreremotethanhistorycandefine。Yourownlifeisasnothing，whencomparedwiththatimmeasurabledistance；butstillyoudemand，nonethelessearnestly，agleamofsunshine，insteadofaspeckofshadow，onthesteportwothatwillbringyoutoyourquietrest。
Howexceedinglyabsurd！Allmen，fromthedateoftheearliestobelisk，——andofthewholeworld，moreover，sincethatfarepoch，andbefore，——havemadeasimilardemand，andseldomhadtheirwish。Iftheyhadit，whataretheythebetternow？But，evenwhileyoutauntyourselfwiththissadlesson，yourheartcriesoutobstreperouslyforitssmallshareofearthlyhappiness，andwillnotbeappeasedbythemyriadsofdeadhopesthatliecrushedintothesoilofRome。HowwonderfulthatthisournarrowfootholdofthePresentshouldholditsownsoconstantly，and，whileeverymomentchanging，shouldstillbelikearockbetwixttheencounteringtidesofthelongPastandtheinfiniteTo-come！
Manofmarblethoughhewas，thesculptorgrievedfortheIrrevocable。
LookingbackuponHilda\'swayoflife，hemarvelledathisownblindstupidity，whichhadkepthimfromremonstratingasafriend，ifwithnostrongerrightagainsttherisksthatshecontinuallyencountered。
Beingsoinnocent，shehadnomeansofestimatingthoserisks，norevenapossibilityofsuspectingtheirexistence。Buthe——whohadspentyearsinRome，withaman\'sfarwiderscopeofobservationandexperience——knewthingsthatmadehimshudder。ItseemedtoKenyon，lookingthroughthedarklycoloredmediumofhisfears，thatallmodesofcrimewerecrowdedintothecloseintricacyofRomanstreets，andthattherewasnoredeemingelement，suchasexistsinotherdissoluteandwickedcities。
Forherewasapriesthood，pampered，sensual，withredandbloatedcheeks，andcarnaleyes。Withapparentlyagrosserdevelopmentofanimallifethanmostmen，theywereplacedinanunnaturalrelationwithwoman，andtherebylostthehealthy，humanconsciencethatpertainstootherhumanbeings，whoownthesweethouseholdtiesconnectingthemwithwifeanddaughter。Andherewasanindolentnobility，withnohighaimsoropportunities，butcultivatingaviciouswayoflife，asifitwereanart，andtheonlyonewhichtheycaredtolearn。Herewasapopulation，highandlow，thathadnogenuinebeliefinvirtue；andiftheyrecognizedanyactascriminal，theymightthrowoffallcare，remorse，andmemoryofit，bykneelingalittlewhileattheconfessional，andrisingunburdened，active，elastic，andincitedbyfreshappetiteforthenextensuingsin。HerewasasoldierywhofeltRometobetheirconqueredcity，anddoubtlessconsideredthemselvesthelegalinheritorsofthefoullicensewhichGaul，Goth，andVandalhavehereexercisedindaysgoneby。
Andwhatlocalitiesfornewcrimeexistedinthoseguiltysites，wherethecrimeofdepartedagesusedtobeathome，andhaditslong，hereditaryhaunt！WhatstreetinRome，whatancientruin，whatoneplacewheremanhadstanding-room，whatfallenstonewasthere，unstainedwithoneoranotherkindofguilt！Insomeofthevicissitudesofthecity\'sprideoritscalamity，thedarktideofhumanevilhadswelledoverit，farhigherthantheTibereverroseagainsttheacclivitiesofthesevenhills。ToKenyon\'smorbidview，thereappearedtobeacontagiouselement，risingfog-likefromtheancientdepravityofRome，andbroodingoverthedeadandhalf-rottencity，asnowhereelseonearth。Itprolongedthetendencytocrime，anddevelopedaninstantaneousgrowthofit，wheneveranopportunitywasfound；Andwherecoulditbefoundsoreadilyashere！Inthosevastpalaces，therewereahundredremotenookswhereInnocencemightshriekinvain。Beneathmeanerhousestherewereunsuspecteddungeonsthathadoncebeenprincelychambers，andopentothedaylight；but，onaccountofsomewickednessthereperpetrated，eachpassingagehadthrownitshandfulofdustuponthespot，andburieditfromsight。
Onlyruffiansknewofitsexistence，andkeptitformurder，andworsecrime。
SuchwasthecitythroughwhichHilda，forthreeyearspast，hadbeenwanderingwithoutaprotectororaguide。Shehadtroddenlightlyoverthecrumbleofoldcrimes；shehadtakenherwayamidthegrimeandcorruptionwhichPaganismhadleftthere，andapervertedChristianityhadmademorenoisome；walkingsaint-likethroughitall，withwhite，innocentfeet；until，insomedarkpitfallthatlayrightacrossherpath，shehadvanishedoutofsight。Itwasterribletoimaginewhathideousoutragemighthavethrustherintothatabyss！
ThenthelovertriedtocomforthimselfwiththeideathatHilda\'ssanctitywasasufficientsafeguard。Ah，yes；shewassopure！Theangels，thatwereofthesamesisterhood，wouldneverletHildacometoharm。Amiraclewouldbewroughtonherbehalf，asnaturallyasafatherwouldstretchouthishandtosaveabest-belovedchild。
Providencewouldkeepalittleareaandatmosphereaboutherassafeandwholesomeasheavenitself，althoughthefloodofperilousiniquitymighthemherround，anditsblackwaveshangcurlingaboveherhead！Butthesereflectionswereofslightavail。Nodoubttheywerethereligioustruth。YetthewaysofProvidenceareutterlyinscrutable；andmanyamurderhasbeendone，andmanyaninnocentvirginhasliftedherwhitearms，beseechingitsaidinherextremity，andallinvain；sothat，thoughProvidenceisinfinitelygoodandwise，andperhapsforthatveryreason，itmaybehalfaneternitybeforethegreatcircleofitsschemeshallbringusthesuperabundantrecompenseforallthesesorrows！Butwhattheloveraskedwassuchpromptconsolationasmightconsistwiththebriefspanofmortallife；
theassuranceofHilda\'spresentsafety，andherrestorationwithinthatveryhour。
Animaginativeman，hesufferedthepenaltyofhisendowmentinthehundred-foldvarietyofgloomilytintedscenesthatitpresentedtohim，inwhichHildawasalwaysacentralfigure。Thesculptorforgothismarble。Romeceasedtobeanything，forhim，butalabyrinthofdismalstreets，inoneoranotherofwhichthelostgirlhaddisappeared。Hewashauntedwiththeideathatsomecircumstance，mostimportanttobeknown，andperhapseasilydiscoverable，hadhithertobeenoverlooked，andthat，ifhecouldlayholdofthisoneclew，itwouldguidehimdirectlyinthetrackofHilda\'sfootsteps。
Withthispurposeinview，hewent，everymorning，totheViaPortoghese，andmadeitthestarting-pointoffreshinvestigations。
Afternightfall，too，heinvariablyreturnedthither，withafainthopeflutteringathisheartthatthelampmightagainbeshiningonthesummitofthetower，andwoulddispelthisuglymysteryoutofthecircleconsecratedbyitsrays。Therebeingnopointofwhichhecouldtakefirmhold，hismindwasfilledwithunsubstantialhopesandfears。OnceKenyonhadseemedtocuthislifeinmarble；nowhevaguelyclutchedatit，andfounditvapor。
Inhisunstrunganddespondentmood，onetriflingcircumstanceaffectedhimwithanidlepang。Thedoveshadatfirstbeenfaithfultotheirlostmistress。Theyfailednottositinarowuponherwindow-sill，ortoalightontheshrine，orthechurch-angels，andontheroofsandportalsoftheneighboringhouses，inevidentexpectationofherreappearance。Afterthesecondweek，however，theybegantotakeflight，anddroppingoffbypairs，betookthemselvestootherdove-cotes。Onlyasingledoveremained，andbroodeddrearilybeneaththeshrine。TheflockthathaddepartedwerelikethemanyhopesthathadvanishedfromKenyon\'sheart；theonethatstilllingered，andlookedsowretched，——wasitaHope，oralreadyaDespair？
Inthestreet，oneday，thesculptormetapriestofmildandvenerableaspect；andashisminddweltcontinuallyuponHilda，andwasespeciallyactiveinbringingupallincidentsthathadeverbeenconnectedwithher，itimmediatelystruckhimthatthiswastheveryfatherwithwhomhehadseenherattheconfessional。SuchtrustdidHildainspireinhim，thatKenyonhadneveraskedwhatwasthesubjectofthecommunicationbetweenherselfandthisoldpriest。Hehadnoreasonforimaginingthatitcouldhaveanyrelationwithherdisappearance，solongsubsequently；but，beingthusbroughtfacetofacewithapersonage，mysteriouslyassociated，ashenowremembered，withherwhomhehadlost，animpulseranbeforehisthoughtsandledthesculptortoaddresshim。
Itmightbethatthereverendkindlinessoftheoldman\'sexpressiontookKenyon\'sheartbysurprise；atallevents，hespokeasiftherewerearecognizedacquaintanceship，andanobjectofmutualinterestbetweenthem。
\"Shehasgonefromme，father，\"saidhe。
\"Ofwhomdoyouspeak，myson？\"inquiredthepriest。
\"Ofthatsweetgirl，\"answeredKenyon，\"whoknelttoyouattheconfessional。Surelyyourememberher，amongallthemortalstowhoseconfessionsyouhavelistened！Forshealonecouldhavehadnosinstoreveal。\"
\"Yes；Iremember，\"saidthepriest，withagleamofrecollectioninhiseyes。\"ShewasmadetobearamiraculoustestimonytotheefficacyofthedivineordinancesoftheChurch，byseizingforciblyupononeofthem，andfindingimmediaterelieffromit，hereticthoughshewas。Itismypurposetopublishabriefnarrativeofthismiracle，fortheedificationofmankind，inLatin，Italian，andEnglish，fromtheprintingpressofthePropaganda。Poorchild！
Settingapartherheresy，shewasspotless，asyousay。Andisshedead？\"
\"Heavenforbid，father！\"exclaimedKenyon，shrinkingback。\"Butshehasgonefromme，Iknownotwhither。Itmaybe——yes，theideaseizesuponmymind——thatwhatsherevealedtoyouwillsuggestsomeclewtothemysteryofherdisappearance。\'\"
\"None，myson，none，\"answeredthepriest，shakinghishead；
\"nevertheless，Ibidyoubeofgoodcheer。Thatyoungmaidenisnotdoomedtodieaheretic。WhoknowswhattheBlessedVirginmayatthismomentbedoingforhersoul！Perhaps，whenyounextbeholdher，shewillbecladintheshiningwhiterobeofthetruefaith。\"
Thislattersuggestiondidnotconveyallthecomfortwhichtheoldpriestpossiblyintendedbyit；butheimpartedittothesculptor，alongwithhisblessing，asthetwobestthingsthathecouldbestow，andsaidnothingfurther，excepttobidhimfarewell。
Whentheyhadparted，however，theideaofHilda\'sconversiontoCatholicismrecurredtoherlover\'smind，bringingwithitcertainreflections，thatgaveanewturntohissurmisesaboutthemysteryintowhichshehadvanished。Notthatheseriouslyapprehended——althoughthesuperabundanceofherreligioussentimentmightmisleadherforamoment——thattheNewEnglandgirlwouldpermanentlysuccumbtothescarletsuperstitionswhichsurroundedherinItaly。Buttheincidentoftheconfessionalifknown，asprobablyitwas，totheeagerpropagandistswhoprowlaboutforsouls，ascatstocatchamouse——wouldsurelyinspirethemostconfidentexpectationsofbringingherovertothefaith。Withsopiousanendinview，wouldJesuiticalmoralitybeshockedatthethoughtofkidnappingthemortalbody，forthesakeoftheimmortalspiritthatmightotherwisebelostforever？Wouldnotthekindoldpriest，himself，deemthistobeinfinitelythekindestservicethathecouldperformforthestraylamb，whohadsostrangelysoughthisaid？
Ifthesesuppositionswerewellfounded，HildawasmostlikelyaprisonerinoneofthereligiousestablishmentsthataresonumerousinRome。Theidea，accordingtotheaspectinwhichitwasviewed，broughtnowadegreeofcomfort，andnowanadditionalperplexity。Ontheonehand，Hildawassafefromanybutspiritualassaults；ontheother，wherewasthepossibilityofbreakingthroughallthosebarredportals，andsearchingathousandconventcells，tosetherfree？
Kenyon，however，asithappened，waspreventedfromendeavoringtofollowoutthissurmise，whichonlythestateofhopelessuncertainty，thatalmostbewilderedhisreason，couldhaveledhimforamomenttoentertain。Acommunicationreachedhimbyanunknownhand，inconsequenceofwhich，andwithinanhourafterreceivingit，hetookhiswaythroughoneofthegatesofRome。
CHAPTERXLVI
AWALKONTHECAMPAGNA
ItwasabrightforenoonofFebruary；amonthinwhichthebriefseverityofaRomanwinterisalreadypast，andwhenvioletsanddaisiesbegintoshowthemselvesinspotsfavoredbythesun。ThesculptorcameoutofthecitybythegateofSanSebastiano，andwalkedbrisklyalongtheAppianWay。
Forthespaceofamileortwobeyondthegate，thisancientandfamousroadisasdesolateanddisagreeableasmostoftheotherRomanavenues。Itextendsoversmall，uncomfortablepaving-stones，betweenbrickandplasteredwalls，whichareverysolidlyconstructed，andsohighasalmosttoexcludeaviewofthesurroundingcountry。Thehousesareofmostuninvitingaspect，neitherpicturesque，norhomelikeandsocial；theyhaveseldomorneveradooropeningonthewayside，butareaccessibleonlyfromtherear，andfrowninhospitablyuponthetravellerthroughiron-gratedwindows。Hereandthereappearsadrearyinnorawine-shop，designatedbythewitheredbushbesidetheentrance，withinwhichyoudiscernastone-builtandsepulchralinterior，whereguestsrefreshthemselveswithsourbreadandgoats\'-milkcheese，washeddownwithwineofdolorousacerbity。
Atfrequentintervalsalongtheroadsideup-risestheruinofanancienttomb。Astheystandnow，thesestructuresareimmenselyhighandbrokenmoundsofconglomeratedbrick，stone，pebbles，andearth，allmoltenbytimeintoamassassolidandindestructibleasifeachtombwerecomposedofasingleboulderofgranite。Whenfirsterected，theywerecasedexternally，nodoubt，withslabsofpolishedmarble，artfullywroughtbas-reliefs，andallsuchsuitableadornments，andwererenderedmajesticallybeautifulbygrandarchitecturaldesigns。