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Rh will it not," added he, with a scarce perceptible sneer, "buy even salvation from our holy church? There is only one thing on earth more glorious, and that is science; science, which can master the subtle spirit, and force it to enter even the most worthless substances. It is now before me; the toil of a life is near its completion; how mightily will one moment repay the vigils of years! Ay, my children, be wild, be uncurbed in your wishes; little dream ye how near you are to their fulfilment!"

The old man's pale face gleamed with excitement, his wan cheek was flushed, his eyes kindled with fire, and his step was buoyant, like that of youth, as he ascended the winding staircase which led to his solitary tower. The young are easily carried away by whatever appeals to their imagination; and the cousins now began to build golden and aërial castles, with a vivacity the reaction of their previous despondency.

"Holy mother! what is that?" ejaculated Francesca, as an explosion, like a clap of thunder bursting directly over the palace, shook the very ground beneath their feet. Both sprang to the door; but the night, though cold, was clear, the moon shone large and bright in the deep blue sky; and all again was profound silence, when Guido exclaimed—