CHAPTER XI. THE FLIGHT
We left Attilio, Silvio, and Manlio on their way to the suburbs. Attiliohad determined that the house lately tenanted by poor Marcello, andstill inhabited by Camilla, would be a safe hiding-place for theliberated sculptor, who could scarcely be prevailed upon not to returnat once to his own home, so great was his desire to behold his cherishedwife and daughter.
As they trudged on, each busy with his own thoughts, Attilio turnedover in his mind the visit of Gianni to the studio, for the informationSergeant Dentato had given him relative to the arrest confirmed hissuspicion that the Cardinal was plotting villainy against his Clelia.After some reflection, he concluded to impart his suspicion to Manlio,who, when he had recovered from his first surprise and horror, declaredhis belief that Attilio's surmises were correct, and that it wasnecessary at once to hasten home in order to preserve his darling frominfamy.
Attilio, however, aided by Muzio, at last prevailed upon him to concealhimself, promising to go and inform the ladies of the designs againstthem as soon as he had placed the father in safety.
Attilio, in truth, though so young, had the talent of influencing andguiding those with whom he came in contact, and the soundness of hisjudgment was frequently acknowledged, even by men advanced in years.Reluctantly, Manlio felt that he could not do better than to intrust thecare of his dear ones to this generous youth.
The day was beginning to dawn as they neared the cottage at the end ofthe lane, and, just as on the occasion of Camilla's return on the nightof the meeting, Fido barked furiously at their approach. At Silvio'svoice, the dog was quieted instantly, and again Marcellino met him atthe door. Silvio, after saluting the lad, asked where Camilla was. "Iwill show you," was the answer, and leading the way, he took them to aneminence near the cottage, from which they beheld, at a little distance,a cemetery. "She is there," said Marcellino, pointing with his finger;"she passes all her time, from morn till eve, at her father's grave,praying and weeping. You will find her there, at all hours, now."Silvio, without a word to his companions, who followed slowly, strode ontowards the spot indicated, which was close by, and soon came in view ofCamilla, clad in deep mourning, kneeling beside a mound of newly-turnedearth.
She was so absorbed, that the approach of the three friends wasunperceived. Silvio, deeply moved, watched her, without daring to speak,and neither of the others broke the silence. Presently she rose, andclasping her hands in agony, cried bitterly, "Oh, my father, my father,I was the cause of your death!" "Camilla," whispered Silvio, comingclose up. She turned, and gazing at them with a sweet but vacant smile,as if her lover's face brought her sin-comprehended comfort, passed onin the direction of her home, for the poor girl had not yet regained herreason.
Silvio touched her on the arm, as he overtook her, saying, "See Camilla,I have brought you a visitor, and if any one should ask who thisgentleman is, tell them he is an antiquary who is studying the ruinsaround Rome." This was the role which Attilio had persuaded Manlio toplay, until some plan for the future had been formed. After a shortconsultation, as to the precautions they were to observe, Attilio badethem farewell, and returned to the city alone, leaving behind him,with many a thought of pity and stern indignation, this father's humblehousehold, devastated by the devices of the foul priest.
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