I could lift.  Without one thought about consequences, I seized the nearest vase and threw it with all the strength I had at the priest’s head.  He fell like a log and uttered one or two groans.  The vase was broken.  It struck the priest on the right temple, close to the ear.  For a moment I listened to see if any one were coming.  I then looked at the priest, and saw the blood running out of his wound.  I quaked with fear lest I had killed the destroyer of my peace.  I did not intend to kill him, I only wished to stun him, that I might take the keys, open the door and run, for the back door of the priest’s room led right into a back path where the gates were frequently opened daring the day time.  This was about twelve o’clock, and a most favorable moment for me to escape.  In a moment I had searched the sleeve pocket of the priest, found the key and a heavy purse of gold which I secured in my dress pocket.  I opened the little writing desk and took out the key to the back door.  I saw that the priest was not dead, and I had not the least doubt from appearances, but that he would soon come to.  I trembled for fear he might wake before I could get away.  I thought of my dear Tuscan sister in her wretched cell, but I could not get to her without being discovered.  There was no time to be lost.  I opened the door with the greatest facility and gained the opening into the back path.  I locked the door after me, and brought the key with me for a short distance, then placed all the keys tinder a rock.  I had no hat but only a black veil.  I threw that over my head after the fashion of Italy and gained the outer gate.  There were masons at work near the gate which was open and I passed through into the street without being questioned by any one.

As I had not a nun’s dress on, no one supposed I belonged to the Institution.  I walked down directly to the sea coast.  I could speak a few English words which I had learned from some English friends of my father.  Before I got to where the boats lay I saw a gentleman whom I took to be an English or American gentleman.  He had a pleasant face, looked at me very kindly, saw my pale dejected face and at once felt a deep sympathy for me.  As I appeared to be in trouble and needed help, he extended his hand to me and said in tolerable good Italian, “Como va’ le’ signorina?” that is “How do you do young lady?” I asked him what was his country.  “Me,” said he, “Americano, Americano, capitano de Bastimento.” (American captain of a ship.) “Signor Capitano,” said I, “I wish to go on board your ship and see an American ship.”  “Well,” said he, “with a great deal of pleasure; my ship lies at anchor, my men are waiting; you shall dine with me, Signorina.”