And yet I had only a word to say to be free; but I would not say it. In the partition that divided my prison from the dining;room there was a small grated window, through which I could hear every word that was spoken on the other side. And more than once I had heard the canon broadly hint, during dinner-time, that pardon should be granted provided it were asked. But I was too highly exasperated at the treat ment I received to bring myself to ask forgiveness, and my uncle's hints dropped all unheeded. My thoughts were bent another way; plans of escape to Genoa were confusedly forming in my head. One night I went even as far as the house door, and had my hand on the latch; but my heart failed me. It was so dark without!