the new government, whose formation every one was anticipating.  Leaving Rome, too, at that time, was deserting the field wherein they might hope to work much good, and where they felt that they were needed.  Ossoli’s brothers had long before begun to look jealously upon him.  Knowing his acquaintance with Margaret, they feared the influence she might exert over his mind in favor of liberal sentiments, and had not hesitated to threaten him with the Papal displeasure.  Ossoli’s education had been such, that it certainly argues an uncommon elevation of character, that he remained so firm and single in his political views, and was so indifferent to the pecuniary advantages which his former position offered, since, during many years, the Ossoli family had been high in favor and in office, in Rome, and the same vista opened for his own future, had he chosen to follow their lead.  The Pope left for Molo di Gaeta, and then came a suspension of all legal procedure, so that the estate was never divided, before we left Italy, and I do not know that it has ever been.

“Ossoli had the feeling, that, while his own sister and family could not be informed of his marriage, no others should know of it; and from day to day they hoped on for the favorable change which should enable them to declare it.  Their child was born; and, for his sake, in order to defend him, as Margaret said, from the stings of poverty, they were patient waiters for the restored law of the land.  Margaret felt that she would, at any cost to herself, gladly secure for her child a condition above want; and, although it was a severe trial,—­as her letters to us attest,—­she resolved to wait, and hope, and keep her secret.  At the time when she took me into her confidence, she was so full of anxiety and dread of some shock, from which she might not recover, that it was absolutely necessary to make it known to some friend.  She was living with us at the time, and she gave it to me.  Most sacredly, but timidly, did I keep her secret; for, all the while, I was tormented with a desire to be of active service to her, and I was incapacitated from any action by the position in which I was placed.

“Ossoli’s post was one of considerable danger, he being in one of the most exposed places; and, as Margaret saw his wounded and dying comrades, she felt that another shot might take him from her, or bring him to her care in the hospital.  Eagerly she watched the carts, as they came up with their suffering loads, dreading that her worst fears might be confirmed.  No argument of ours could persuade Ossoli to leave his post to take food or rest.  Sometimes we went to him, and carried a concealed basket of provisions, but he shared it with so many of his fellows, that his own portion must have been almost nothing.  Haggard, worn, and pale, he walked over the Vatican grounds with us, pointing out, now here, now there, where some poor fellow’s blood sprinkled the wall; Margaret was with us, and for a few