about seven o'clock in the evening
Iron lamps diffused a lurid luster around , rendering ghastly the countenance alike of the oppressors and the oppressed ; and when it was deemed necessary to invest the proceedings with a more awe-inspiring solemnity than usual , torches , borne by the familiars or officers of the inquisition , were substituted for these iron lamps . Over the judgment-seat was suspended a large crucifix . On one side of the court were three doors , -- one communicating with the corridor and flight of stone steps leading to and from the tribunal ; the second affording admission into the torture-chamber and the third opening to the prisons of the inquisition . It was about seven o'clock in the evening , on the 26th of September , that Flora Francatelli and her aunt were placed before the grand inquisitor , to be examined for the second time . When the familiars , habited in their long , black , ecclesiastical dresses with the strange cowls or hoods shading their stern and remorseless countenances , led in the two females from the separate cells in which they had been confined , the first and natural impulse of the unhappy creatures was to rush into each other 's arms ; -- but they were immediately torn rudely asunder , and so stationed in the presence of the grand inquisitor as to have a considerable interval between them . But the glances which the aunt and niece exchanged , gave encouragement and hope to each other , and the sentiments which prompted those glances were really cherished by the persecuted females ; inasmuch as Father Marco , who had been permitted to visit them occasionally , dropped sundry hints of coming aid , and powerful , though invisible , protection -- thereby cheering their hearts to some little extent , and mitigating the intensity of their apprehensions . Flora was very pale -- but never , perhaps , had she appeared more beautiful -- for her large blue eyes expressed the most melting softness , and her dark brown hair hung disheveled over her shoulders , while her bosom heaved with the agitation of suspense .