the Turkish encampment, while our little party
proceeded on its way through the now crowded streets, and soon arrived
at the residence of Wagner.

With many congratulations did Fernand receive them; and being informed
of the purport of their visit, hastened to acquaint his chaplain of the
duties that were required of him; and before the sun was an hour higher
in the heavens, Francisco, Count of Riverola, and Flora Francatelli were
joined together in the indissoluble bonds of wedlock.

It was now, for the first time since his recovery, that the recollection
of the solemn oath Francisco had made to his dying father came across
his mind--that on that day and that hour in which he was married, he and
his bride should visit the secret chamber: and he hurriedly told Wagner
that it was of the utmost importance that he should be at the Riverola
palace within the hour; and at the same time he requested his kind
friend to accompany him.

On arriving at the Riverola palace, the party were instantly admitted,
notwithstanding that the Turkish soldiers placed there by the grand
vizier still guarded the gates: and Francisco proceeded alone to his
sister's apartment, where he found her sitting, busied in conjecturing
the cause of her recent detention--for Ibrahim, on the completion of the
marriage ceremony, of which he had been an unseen observer, had given
orders to free her from all restraint on her person.

On perceiving Francisco, Nisida tenderly embraced him; and by signs he
informed her that a person wished to be admitted to her presence. Having
signified her acquiescence, Francisco retired, and in a few moments
returned, leading by the hand his blushing bride, while Wagner followed,
a few paces in the rear.

No sooner had Nisida's eyes fallen on the form of Flora, than she
started from her seat, her eyes flashing with concentrated hate, and her
haughty lip curled in withering contempt, for well she guessed the
purport of her visit: but the next moment her eyes fell on the advancing
form of her adored Wagner--and those eyes, lit up as with the fires of
hell, lost their demoniac glare in the beams of love which gleamed in
their dark depths; and her lip of scorn was changed into an enchanting
smile of the sweetest welcome--a transition from hate to love, a change
of feelings as well as features of which woman, loving woman, alone is
capable--and the next moment, regardless of the presence of Francisco
and Flora, she rushed int