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Rh with one only boy; and report more than hinted that he was about to marry again.

"I saw him in his own domains; and lightly, indeed, had years passed over his head; the step of the noble youth at hjs side was scarce more elastic than his own. His bright hair had lost none of its luxuriance, and the fair broad forehead bore no trace of time or care. Yet, there she was at his side, the lost Beatrice! I saw her shadowless form glide along the sunny grass,—that pale and mournful countenance turned as ever upon me. I rushed away, but the image was still before me; I closed my eyes, but it rose upon the darkness, till, at last, I sank faint and exhausted. When I recovered, it was strange how distinct past events were pictured in my mind,—and, stranger still, that, for the first time, I thought of you, Francesca!

"I started from my seat. God of heaven! what had been your destiny? were you still living?—perhaps in sickness, in neglect, and poverty! Somewhat now of expiation seemed in my power: I would seek you out, restore you to your father, and deem the agony of my confession fitting penance.

"My search was long and vain. On my recovery in the convent I had been told that Carrara