"And thou, Gelsomina?" The keeper's daughter did not answer. Her ears had drunk in each syllable that fell from his lips, and now that the whole truth began to dawn on her mind, there was a bright radiance in her eye that appeared almost supernatural to those who witnessed it. "If I have failed in convincing thee, Gelsomina," continued Jacopo, "that I am not the wretch I seemed, would that I had been dumb!" She stretched a hand towards him, and dropping her head on his bosom, wept. "I see all thy temptations, poor Carlo," she said, softly; "I know how strong was thy love for thy father." "Dost thou forgive me, dearest Gelsomina, for the deception on thy innocence?" "There was no deception; I believed thee a son ready to die for his father, and I find thee what I thought thee." The good Carmelite regarded this scene with eyes of interest and indulgence; tears wetted his cheeks. "Thy affection for each other, children," he said, "is such as angels might indulge. Has thy intercourse been of long date?" "It has lasted years, father." "And thou, daughter, hast been with Jacopo in the cell of his parent?" "I was his constant guide on these holy errands, father." The monk mused deeply. After a silence of several minutes he proceeded to the duties of his holy office. Receiving the spiritual confession of the prisoner he gave the absolution with a fervor which proved how deeply his sympathies were enlisted in behalf of the youthful pair. This duty done, he gave Gelsomina his hand, and there was a mild confidence in his countenance as he took leave of Jacopo. "We quit thee," he said; "but be of heart, son. I cannot think that even Venice will be deaf to a tale like thine! Trust first to thy God, and believe that neither this faithful girl nor I will abandon thee without an effort." Jacopo received this assurance like one accustomed to exist in extreme jeopardy. The smile which accompanied his own adieux had in it as much of incredulity as of melancholy. It was, however, full of the joy of a lightened heart. CHAPTER XXX. "Your heart is free, and quick with virtuous wrath to accuse Appearances; and views a criminal In innocence's shadow." WERNER. The Carmelite and Gelsomina found the keepers in waiting, and when they quitted the cell its door was secured for the night. As they had no further concerns with the jailors they passed on unquestioned. But when the end of the corridor which led towards the apartments of the keeper was reached, the monk stopped. "Art thou equal to a great effort, in order that the innocent shall not die?" he suddenly asked, though with a solemnity that denoted the influence of a high and absorbing motive. "Father!" "I would know if thy love for the youth can sustain thee in a trying scene; for without this effort he will surely perish!" "I would die to save Jacopo a pang!"