itively, the meaning of his
companion, and throwing back his cowl, a movement that exposed the
countenance of Father Anselmo, he prepared to listen to the confession
of the old man.

"Thou art a Christian, and one of thy years hath not to learn the state
of mind that becometh a penitent," said the monk, when each was ready.

"I am a sinner, father; give me counsel and absolution, that I may have
hope."

"Thy will be done--thy prayer is heard--approach and kneel."

Antonio, who had fastened his line to his seat, and disposed of his net
with habitual care, now crossed himself devoutly, and took his station
before the Carmelite. His acknowledgments of error then began. Much
mental misery clothed the language and ideas of the fisherman with a
dignity that his auditor had not been accustomed to find in men of his
class. A spirit so long chastened by suffering had become elevated and
noble. He related his hopes for the boy, the manner in which they had
been blasted by the unjust and selfish policy of the state, his
different efforts to procure the release of his grandson, and his bold
expedients at the regatta, and the fancied nuptials with the Adriatic.
When he had thus prepared the Carmelite to understand the origin of his
sinful passions, which it was now his duty to expose, he spoke of those
passions themselves, and of their influence on a mind that was
ordinarily at peace with mankind. The tale was told simply and without
reserve, but in a manner to inspire respect, and to awaken powerful
sympathy in him who heard it.

"And these feelings thou didst indulge against the honored and powerful
of Venice!" demanded the monk, affecting a severity he could not feel.

"Before my God do I confess the sin! In bitterness of heart I cursed
them; for to me they seemed men without feeling for the poor, and
heartless as the marbles of their own palaces."

"Thou knowest that to be forgiven, thou must forgive. Dost thou, at
peace with all of earth, forget this wrong, and can'st thou, in charity
with thy fellows, pray to Him who died for the race, in behalf of those
who have injured thee?"

Antonio bowed his head on his naked breast, and he seemed to commune
with his soul.

"Father," he said, in a rebuked tone, "I hope I do."

"Thou must not trifle with thyself to thine own perdition. There is an
eye in yon vault above us which pervades space, and which looks into the
inmost secrets of the heart. Can'st thou pardon the error o