It showed no great malignity, however, to complain of the horrible
place in which they had incarcerated me, but fortunately another
room became vacant, and I was agreeably surprised on being informed
that I was to have it. Yet strangely enough, I reflected with
regret that I was about to leave the vicinity of Maddalene. Instead
of feeling rejoiced, I mourned over it with almost childish feeling.
I had always attached myself to some object, even from motives
comparatively slight. On leaving my horrible abode, I cast back a
glance at the heavy wall against which I had so often supported
myself, while listening as closely as possible to the gentle voice
of the repentant girl. I felt a desire to hear, if only for the
last time, those two pathetic lines, -


Chi rende alla meschina
La sua felicita?


Vain hope! here was another separation in the short period of my
unfortunate life. But I will not go into any further details, lest
the world should laugh at me, though it would be hypocrisy in me to
affect to conceal that, for several days after, I felt melancholy at
this imaginary parting.

While going out of my dungeon I also made a farewell signal to two
of the robbers, who had been my neighbours, and who were then
standing at their window. Their chief also got notice of my
departure, ran to the window, and repeatedly saluted me. He began
likewise to sing the little air, Chi rende alla meschina; and was
this, thought I, merely to ridicule me? No doubt that forty out of