A brother's interest, the remembrance of a
solemn vow breathed only to my lamented and much-wronged mother--and the
safeguard of a mystery, the discovery of which by curious and prying
eyes would heap infamy and disgrace upon the family that bears the name
of Riverola--all these reasons render me thus anxious to return to
Italy. And if you keep me here, Fernand, I shall pine away--I shall
perish before your eyes, and you will repent of your harshness when it
is too late. Or else," she added, speaking with wild rapidity, "I shall
be reduced to despair, and in a moment of excitement shall seek death in
those silent waters, or climb yon craggy mountains to fling myself
headlong from their summit."

"Nisida, your menaces are maddening as your supplications to me are vain
and useless!" said Wagner, himself now laboring under a fearful
excitement. "Rise, I implore you, rise, and let us endeavor to converse
more calmly--more rationally."

"Yes--I will rise," said Nisida, now affecting a sullen haughtiness, and
preparing to wield another of the weapons which the demon had placed in
her hand: "I rise, Fernand, because I feel that I was wrong thus to
abase myself--I, who bear the proud name of Riverola;"--and she tossed
her head indignantly. "Well--it seems that you are resolved to keep me
chained to your side on this island. Be it so: but henceforth let there
be no mistrust--no mystery--no secrets between us. If Italy must be
forgotten forever, then this isle shall become our world, and our
thoughts shall travel not beyond its confines. All shall be mutual
confidence--a reciprocal outpouring of our minutest thoughts. On that
condition only will existence _here_ be tolerable to us both. And now as
a proof that thou wilt assent to this proposal--than which nothing can
be more rational--let our new life of mutual confidence date from this
moment. Tell me then, my Fernand," she proceeded, assuming a winning
manner, and throwing as much pathos as possible into her sweetly musical
voice--that voice which gave new and indescribable, charms to the soft
Italian language--"tell me then, my Fernand, wherefore thou quittest me
at certain intervals--why thou invariably seekest on those occasions the
opposite side of the island--and whether thou wilt in future suffer me
to be the companion of those journeys?"

"Thou be my companion--thou, Nisida!" exclaimed Wagner, his whole frame
convulsed with mental agony. "Merciful Heaven! what fiend h