icture of the Wehr-Wolf, a picture which
he had painted when in a strangely morbid state of mind--had
disappeared. Here was another sign of Heaven's goodness--a further proof
of celestial mercy.

On instituting inquiries, Fernand had learnt that Donna Nisida had not
yet come back to Florence: but he employed trusty persons to watch and
give him notice of her arrival the instant it should occur. Thus Nisida
had not been half an hour at the Riverola mansion when Fernand was made
acquainted with her return. From the conversation which had taken place
between them at various times on the island, and as the reader is well
aware, Wagner felt convinced that Nisida would again simulate deafness
and dumbness; and he was therefore desirous to avoid giving her any
surprise by appearing abruptly before her--a proceeding which might
evoke a sudden ejaculation, and thus betray her secret. Moreover, he
knew not whether circumstances would render his visits, made in a public
manner, agreeable to her: and, perhaps--pardon him, gentle
reader--perhaps he was also curious to learn whether she still thought
of him, or whether the excitement of her return had absorbed all tender
feelings of that nature.

Influenced by these various motives, Wagner muffled himself in a long
Tuscan cloak and repaired to the vicinity of the Riverola mansion. He
passed through the gardens without encountering any one, and, perceiving
a side door open, he entered the building. Ascending the stairs, he
thought that he should be acting in accordance with the advice given him
by Rosencrux, and also consistent with prudence, were he at once to seek
an interview with Nisida privately. He therefore repaired in the
direction of the principal saloons of the palace; but losing his way
amidst the maze of corridors, he was about to retire, when he beheld the
object of his search, the beautiful Nisida, enter a room with a lamp in
hand. He now felt convinced that he should meet her alone, and he
hurried after her. In pursuance of his cautious plan, he opened the door
gently, and was already in the middle of the apartment, when he
perceived Nisida standing by the side of a bed, and with her head fixed
in that immovable manner which indicates intent gazing upon some object.
Instantly supposing that some invalid reposed in that couch, and now
seized with a dreadful alarm lest Nisida, on beholding him, should utter
a sudden ejaculation which would betray the secret of her feigne