dominion, I had become arbiter of my fate; and how much of misery, of
anguish, and of sin might I not thereafter have been spared!

The hour was crucial, though I knew it not. I stood at a parting of ways;
yet for lack of courage I hesitated to take the road to which so invitingly
he beckoned me.

And then, before I could make any answer such as I desired, such as I
strove to make, my mother spoke again, and by her tone, which had grown
faltering and tearful--as was her wont in the old days when she ruled my
father--she riveted anew the fetters I was endeavouring with all the
strength of my poor young soul to snap.

"Tell him, Agostino, that your will is as your mother's. Tell him so and
come. I am waiting for you."

I stifled a groan, and let my arms fall limply to my sides. I was a
weakling and contemptible. I realized it. And yet to-day when I look back
I see how vast a strength I should have needed. I was but thirteen and of
a spirit that had been cowed by her, and was held under her thrall.

I...I am sorry, Falcone," I faltered, and there were tears in my eyes.

I shrugged again--shrugged in token of my despair and grief and impotence--
and I moved down the long room towards the door where my mother waited.

I did not dare to bestow another look upon that poor broken old warrior,
that faithful, lifelong servant, turned thus cruelly upon the world by a
woman whom bigotry had sapped of all human feelings and a boy who was a
coward masquerading under a great name.