The Heart of Rome: A Tale of the "Lost Water"

"The Heart of Rome: A Tale of the 'Lost Water'" by F. Marion Crawford is a story set amidst the fading grandeur of a noble Roman family, the Casa Contis, where themes of aristocracy, financial hardship, and intricate family bonds are central. The narrative begins with the Baroness Volterra, a woman determined to help the Contis navigate their troubles with her influence, arriving at their palazzo, only to find it in a state of decay and abandonment due to financial ruin. Sabina Conti, a young member of the family, is introduced as a symbol of innocence and sorrow, mourning the loss of a pet canary, which mirrors the family's own fading vitality and status. The story introduces us to a family about to lose everything while setting the stage for a journey into Sabina's future and the restoration of her family's honor.