But what a fine old tower! Its tall front is like a page of black letter, taken from the history of the Italian republics." "I know little or nothing of its history," said the Count, glancing upward at the battlements, where he had just been standing.

"But I thank my forefathers for building it so high.

I like the windy summit better than the world below, and spend much of my time there, nowadays." "It is a pity you are not a star-gazer," observed Kenyon, also looking up.

"It is higher than Galileo's tower, which I saw, a week or two ago, outside of the walls of Florence." "A star-gazer?
I am one," replied Donatello.

"I sleep in the tower, and often watch very late on the battlements.