Such
were the thoughts of Antonina as she returned the empty bowl to its
former place; but she gave them no expression in words.
She saw, with horror, that the same expression of despair, almost of
frenzy, which had distorted her father's features on the day of her
restoration to him, now marked them again. Once more he tottered
towards the window, murmuring in his bitter despondency against the
delusive security and hope which had held him idle for the interests of
his child during the few days that were past. But, as he now looked out
on the beleaguered city, he saw the populace hastening along the gloomy
street beneath, as rapidly as their wearied limbs would carry them, to
join the embassy. He heard them encouraging each other to proceed, to
seize the last chance of escaping through the open gates from the
horrors of famine and plague; and caught the infection of the
recklessness and despair which had seized his fellow-sufferers from one
end of Rome to the other.
Turning instantly, he grasped his daughter's hand and drew her from the
room, commanding her to come forth with him and join the citizens in
their flight, ere it was too late.
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