heir gorgeousness and
splendor! On reaching the attic, Jacopo stopped, and turned to his
conductors.

"If you are beings of God's forming," he said, "take off these clanking
chains, though it be but for a moment."

The keepers regarded each other in surprise, neither offering to do the
charitable office.

"I go to visit, probably for the last time," continued the prisoner, "a
bed-ridden--I may say--a dying father, who knows nothing of my
situation,--will ye that he should see me thus?"

The appeal which was made, more with the voice and manner, than in the
words, had its effect. A keeper removed the chains, and bade him
proceed. With a cautious tread, Jacopo advanced, and when the door was
opened he entered the room alone, for none there had sufficient
interest in an interview between a common Bravo and his father, to
endure the glowing warmth of the place, the while. The door was closed
after him, and the room became dark.

Notwithstanding his assumed firmness, Jacopo hesitated when he found
himself so suddenly introduced to the silent misery of the forlorn
captive. A hard breathing told him the situation of the pallet, but the
walls, which were solid on the side of the corridor, effectually
prevented the admission of light.

"Father!" said Jacopo with gentleness.

He got no answer.

"Father!" he repeated in a stronger voice.

The breathing became more audible, and then the captive spoke.

"Holy Maria hear my prayers!" he said feebly. "God hath sent thee, son,
to close my eyes!"

"Doth thy strength fail thee, father?"

"Greatly--my time is come--I had hoped to see the light of the day again
to bless thy dear mother and sister--God's will be done!"

"They pray for us both, father. They are beyond the power of the
Senate."

"Jacopo, I do not understand thee!"

"My mother and sister are dead; they are saints in Heaven, father."

The old man groaned, for the tie of earth had not yet been entirely
severed. Jacopo heard him murmuring a prayer, and he knelt by the side
of his pallet.

"This is a sudden blow!" whispered the old man. "We depart together."

"They are long dead, father."

"Why hast thou not told me this before, Jacopo?"

"Hadst thou not sorrows enough without this? Now that thou art about to
join them, it will be pleasant to know that they have so long been
happy."

"And thou?--thou wilt be alone--give me thy hand--poor Jacopo!"

The Bravo reached forth and took the feeble member of