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 mild 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 ra- 

 diance 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 

 dressed, 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 



