Nothing was discernible, save a flight of rough unshapen steps which sank into the yawning Gulph and were soon lost in darkness.
The groans were heard no more; But All believed them to have ascended from this Cavern.

As He bent over it, Lorenzo fancied that He distinguished something bright twinkling through the gloom.

He gazed attentively upon the spot where it showed itself, and was convinced that He saw a small spark of light, now visible, now disappearing.

He communicated this circumstance to the Nuns: They also perceived the spark; But when He declared his intention to descend into the Cave, they united to oppose his resolution.

All their remonstrances could not prevail on him to alter it.