The door of the little courtyard was partly shut; but I pushed it open, and saw you within, and Donatello, and a third person, whom I had before noticed in the shadow of a niche.

He approached you, Miriam.

You knelt to him! I saw Donatello spring upon him! I would have shrieked, but my throat was dry.

I would have rushed forward, but my limbs seemed rooted to the earth.

It was like a flash of lightning.