Above the Clock Tower of Venice is a carved marble angel with clasped hands and peacefully folded wings. Many years ago, a clever lawyer of Venice lived in that house. He was known all over the city as the wisest and most learned of men, and was very rich and powerful. But although men praised him for his wisdom, they would always end by shaking their heads and lowering their voices when they spoke of him. For it was said there was no man as wicked as he. Strange tales were told of wicked deeds done in the old house, and gradually one by one his servants left him, frightened. At last the lawyer was left all alone in the great house, and never a friend came near him.