estruction of
the Carmelite Convent; and the elder prisoner gave refuge not only to
the young girl, her niece, but also to a woman more guilty still--thus
rendering herself infamous as one who encouraged and concealed the
enemies of the church, instead of giving them up to the most holy
inquisition. Wherefore," continued the grand inquisitor, "it remaineth
only for me to order the prisoners to be put to the torture, that they
may confess their crimes and receive the condemnation which they merit."

At the terrible word "_torture_," Dame Francatelli uttered a cry of
agony--but it was even more on account of her beloved niece than
herself; while Flora, endowed with greater firmness than her aunt, would
have flown to console and embrace her, had not the familiars cruelly
compelled the young maiden to retain her place.

"My lord," said Angelo Duras--for he was the advocate who appeared on
behalf of the prisoners--"I formally and earnestly demand a delay of
eight days ere this final examination be proceeded with."

"It is impossible," returned the grand inquisitor, while his words went
like ice-shafts to the hearts of the unhappy women. "In addition to the
charges against them which I have already glanced at, it appeareth that
one Alessandro Francatelli, who is nearly related to them both, hath
abjured the Christian faith and become a Mussulman. This fact was
reported many months ago to the council of state: and in the cottage
lately habited by the prisoners was found a costly set of jewels,
ornamented with sundry Moslem devices and symbols, all of which are
hateful to the true Catholic. It is therefore natural to suppose that
they themselves have secretly abjured their country's religion, and have
already received the reward of their apostasy."

"No--never, never!" exclaimed the aunt, clasping her hands together, and
showing more anguish by this cruel suspicion than by any other portion
of the treatment which she had received at the hands of the inquisition.

On her side, Flora appeared to be astounded at the accusation made
against her aunt and herself by the grand inquisitor.

"My lord," said Angelo Duras, "the very statement which has just been
put forth by your eminence furnishes a new ground whereon I base my
requisition for a delay of eight days, in order to prepare a fitting
defense on behalf of the prisoners. The council of state is now sitting
in deliberation on certain demands made by the newly arrived Ottoma