We left Attilio, Silvio, and Manlio on their way to the suburbs. Attilio
had determined that the house lately tenanted by poor Marcello, and
still inhabited by Camilla, would be a safe hiding-place for the
liberated sculptor, who could scarcely be prevailed upon not to return
at once to his own home, so great was his desire to behold his cherished
wife and daughter.
As they trudged on, each busy with his own thoughts, Attilio turned
over in his mind the visit of Gianni to the studio, for the information
Sergeant Dentato had given him relative to the arrest confirmed his
suspicion that the Cardinal was plotting villainy against his Clelia.
After some reflection, he concluded to impart his suspicion to Manlio,
who, when he had recovered from his first surprise and horror, declared
his belief that Attilio's surmises were correct, and that it was
necessary at once to hasten home in order to preserve his darling from
infamy.
Attilio, however, aided by Muzio, at last prevailed upon him to conceal
himself, promising to go and inform the ladies of the designs against
them as soon as he had placed the father in safety.
Attilio, in truth, though so young, had the talent of influencing and
guiding those with whom he came in contact, and the soundness of his
judgment was frequently acknowledged, even by men advanced in years.
Reluctantly, Manlio felt that he could not do better than to intrust the
care of his dear ones to this generous youth.
The day was beginning to dawn as they neared the cottage at the end of
the lane, and, just as on the occasion of Camilla's return on the night
of the meeting, Fido barked furiously at their approach. At Silvio's
voice, the dog was quieted instantly, and again Marcellino met him at
the door. Silvio, after saluting the lad, asked where Camilla was. "I
will show you," was the answer, and leading the way, he took them to an
eminence near the cottage, from which they beheld, at a little distance,
a cemetery. "She is there," said Marcellino, pointing with his finger;
"she passes all her time, from morn till eve, at her father's grave,
praying and weeping. You will find her there, at all hours, now."
Silvio, without a word to his companions, who followed slowly, strode on
towards the spot indicated, which was close by, and soon came in view of
Camilla, clad in deep mourning, kneeling beside a mound of newly-turned
earth.
She was so absorbed, that the approach of the three friends was
unperceived. Silvio, deeply moved, watched her, without daring to speak,
and neither of the others broke the silence. Presently she rose, and
clasping her hands in agony, cried bitterly, "Oh, my father, my father,
I was the cause of your death!" "Camilla," whispered Silvio, coming
close up. She turned, and gazing at them with a sweet but vacant smile,
as if her lover's face brought her sin-comprehended comfort, passed on
in the direction of her home, for the poor girl had not yet regained her
reason.
Silvio touched her on the arm, as he overtook her, saying, "See Camilla,
I have brought you a visitor, and if any one should ask who this
gentleman is, tell them he is an antiquary who is studying the ruins
around Rome." This was the role which Attilio had persuaded Manlio to
play, until some plan for the future had been formed. After a short
consultation, as to the precautions they were to observe, Attilio bade
them farewell, and returned to the city alone, leaving behind him,
with many a thought of pity and stern indignation, this father's humble
household, devastated by the devices of the foul priest.