condemn; and you acted
with an obedience and submission to your venerable relative which I
could not be arbitrary enough to blame. We have both endured much for
each other, my Flora; but the days of our trials are passed; and your
good aunt will be convinced that in giving your young heart to me, you
have not confided in one who is undeserving of so much love. Let us
hasten into her presence. But one question have I yet to ask you," he
added, suddenly recollecting an idea which had ere now made some
impression on his mind. "You informed me how you were liberated from the
convent, and you mentioned the name of the Countess of Arestino, whom
circumstances had made your companion in that establishment, and to whom
your aunt gave an asylum. Know you not, dearest Flora, that fame reports
not well of that same Giulia of Arestino--and that a woman of tarnished
reputation is no fitting associate for an innocent and artless maiden
such as thou?"

"During the period that the Lady of Arestino and myself were companions
in captivity," responded Flora, with a frankness as amiable as it was
convincing, "she never in the most distant manner alluded to her love
for the Marquis of Orsini. When the marquis appeared in the convent, in
company with the robbers, I was far too much bewildered with the passing
events, to devote a thought to what might be the nature of their
connection; and even when I had more leisure for reflection, during the
entire day which I passed in the stronghold of the banditti, I saw
naught in it save what I conceived to be the bond of close relationship.
I offered her ladyship an asylum at the abode of my aunt, as I should
have given a home, under such circumstances, to the veriest wretch
crawling on the face of the earth. But in that cottage the countess and
myself have not continued in close companionship; for my aunt
accidentally learnt that fame reported not well of the Lady of Arestino,
and in a gentle manner she begged her to seek another home at her
earliest leisure. The countess implored my venerable relative to permit
her to retrain at the cottage, as her life would be in danger were she
not afforded a sure and safe asylum. Moved by her earnest entreaties, my
aunt assented; and the countess has almost constantly remained in her
own chamber. Sometimes--but very rarely--she goes forth after dusk, and
in a deep disguise; the marquis has not, however, visited the cottage
since my aunt made this discovery rela