Since the Pope had ceased to show himself in Rome, the post of grand equerry had left the Count considerable leisure, for the number of equipages in the pontifical stables had been very largely reduced; nevertheless, he was constant in his attendance at the Vatican, where his duties were now a mere matter of parade, and ever increased his devout zeal as a mark of protest against the usurping monarchy installed at the Quirinal.

However, Benedetta had just attained her twentieth year, when one evening her father returned coughing and shivering from some ceremony at St.Peter's.

A week later he died, carried off by inflammation of the lungs.

And despite their mourning, the loss was secretly considered a deliverance by both women, who now felt that they were free.
Thenceforward Ernesta had but one thought, that of saving her daughter from that awful life of immurement and entombment.

She herself had sorrowed too deeply: it was no longer possible for her to remount the current of existence; but she was unwilling that Benedetta should in her turn lead a life contrary to nature, in a voluntary grave.