You have heard nothing
of this; but you must hear it now, that when I am dead you may know you
have a protector to seek! So I received in anger my brother's farewell,
and fled from my home--(those days were well remembered by me once, but
all things grow dull on my memory now). Long years of turmoil and
change passed on, and I never met him; and men of many nations were my
companions, but he was not among them; then much affliction fell upon
me, and I repented and learnt the fear of God, and went back to my
father's house. Since that, years have passed--I know not how many. I
could have told them when I spoke of my former life to him--to my
friend, when we stood near St. Peter's, ere the city was besieged,
looking on the sunset, and speaking of the early days of our
companionship; but now my very remembrance fails me; the famine that
threatens us with separation and death casts darkness over my thoughts;
yet hear me, hear me patiently--for your sake I must continue!'
'Not now, father--not now! At another time, on a happier day!' murmured
Antonina, in tremulous, entreating tones.
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