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70 "Surely that is a most unusual light from the turret!"

The windows of the tower were illuminated with a sudden blaze, where usually glimmered but one solitary spark. Both rushed towards the staircase, down which, like waves, rolled the eddying smoke; fortunately, there were large gaps in the dilapidated walls, or they never could have made their way. The last flight of steps was lighted from the open door, which the shock had forced from its hinges. A large clear flame, but evidently subsiding, arose on the hearth; various vessels and instruments, mostly broken, were scattered round; and thrown with his face on the floor lay their grandfather. Guido caught him up in his arms, and bore him to the lower chamber, where the noise had assembled their two servants. The features still wore their expression of eagerness and triumph—but set and rigid, for life had departed from them for ever.

The danger of the palace was too imminent for neglect; and leaving the body, beside which Francesca was kneeling, Guido again ascended the steps of the tower; but the smoke had nearly dispersed, the blaze on the hearth was flickering and faint, while the pale moonlight shone quietly into that room of disappointment and death, as it had