s for the morrow, that we might know the fate of our
books. Accordingly, the first thing we did the next day was to take a
gondola, and proceed to the custom-house that had been mentioned to
us. There, however, they knew nothing of our books. So we went to the
British Consulate, to inform them of our case, and then returned to
the hotel. During this voyage, I had several times observed a paper
stuck against the walls, with _Notificazione_ written in large letters
on it, with some smaller printing beneath it. With a very uneasy
heart, I asked Claudia to read it, and tell me what it meant. She did
so, and found that it was informing the world in general, that two
noble Italians were condemned, one to death, and the other to the
galleys, for political offences. Of course, we were no judges of the
rights of the case; but it is impossible not to feel one's heart
saddened by the approaching death of a fellow-creature; besides which,
my heart trembled for Claudia, and I conjured up to my mind the
leaden-roof prisons; those beneath the ducal palace, those under
water; the Bridge of Sighs; and that fearful part of the lagoon where
no fishing was allowed, lest it should reveal some fearful secret,
known only to the dead, and to certain minions of the dread Council.
In vain I repeated to myself, that those days were past; in vain was
it that Claudia laughed at my fears, and told me it was disgraceful
for a British subject to feel them: still my heart felt heavy, and I
shall not soon forget the anxiety of that hour.

We returned to the hotel, where we had not long been, when we were
informed that a gentleman wished to speak to us. Fearful moment! I
pictured to myself a ferocious-looking officer with a guard, like
those who come upon the stage with Jaffier. Somewhat to my relief, the
reality turned out to be of a gentler character. I found myself
introduced to a polite-looking personage, who, however, speedily
informed me, through the medium of the waiter--for we had no common
language--that he did not want me, but a younger lady! O my poor
Claudia! My heart beating violently, I returned to her, and informed
her that she was wanted. Instead of being at all alarmed, she appeared
rather gratified at finding herself of so much importance, and
hastened to join the person who was waiting for her. He, in a very
polite and respectful manner, told us that our books were at the
police-office, and only awaited our arrival to be examined.
Acc