me. It contains my wedding clothes and the portraits and other relics of my father and mother."
She folded the ring inside this letter, and wrote Tito's name outside. The next letter was to Bernardo del Nero:—
"Dearest Godfather,
"If I could have been any good to your life by staying, I would not have gone away to a distance. But now I am gone. Do not ask the reason; and if you loved my father, try to prevent any one from seeking me. I could not bear my life at Florence. I cannot bear to tell any one why. Help to cover my lot in silence. I have asked that my bridal chest should be sent to you: when you open it, you will know the reason. Please to give all the things that were my mother's to my cousin Brigida, and ask her to forgive me for not saying any words of parting to her.
"Farewell, my second father. The best thing I have in life is still to remember your goodness and be grateful to you.
"Romola."
Romola put the letters, along with the crucifix, within the bosom of her mantle, and then felt that everything was done. She was ready now to depart.
No one was stirring in the house, and she went almost as quietly as a grey phantom down the stairs and into the silent street. Her heart was palpitating violently, yet she enjoyed the sense of her firm tread
