MESSENGERS OF DEATH. 153 



dictive fury the glittering of jewels on a white uplifted arm 

 -the gleaming of cold blue steel directed to her heart. In 

 a brief agony of fear she clung to the olive's trunk ; in an 

 agony,, as brief, of supplication, she raised her rnild blue eyes 

 imploring mercy; but mercy there was none in those dark 

 orbs of vengeance which returned their glance. The bright 

 stiletto did not miss its aim,, and, clear in the encircling 

 radiance of the Lucciole, a crimson stain on the bleached trunk 

 of the olive,, showed, even in that place of shade and hour of 

 darkness, that a deed of murder had been done. 



Poor Bianca ! Then did thy simple superstition seem to 

 have met with terrible fulfilment. The Lucciole had come to 

 thee indeed as messengers of death ; but in their radiant guise 

 they were the more fitting representatives of ministers of 

 mercy, sent, perhaps, in good time to rescue thee from danger 



and from sin. 



****** 



Early next morning the old vine-dresser was up, and dress- 

 ed, ready for departure. He wondered why Bianca was not 

 stirring too ; " but, poor thing !" thought he, " she shall rest as 

 long as may be. Yesterday she had a deal to do, and to-day, 

 parting from the old place, and all about it, will be sad work 

 for both of us, though she (God bless her !) will try hard 

 that I may not see her downcast." 



Jacopo, while this was passing through his mind, busied 

 himself in a few remaining preparations even got ready their 



