d
dumbness, Fernand considerately retreated with all possible speed: nor
was he aware that Nisida had observed him, much less that his appearance
there had excited such fears in her breast, those fears being greatly
enhanced by his negligence in leaving the door open behind him.

Oh! had Nisida known it was thou, Fernand Wagner, how joyous, how happy
she would have been; for the conviction that she bore the pledge of your
mutual passion had made her heart yearn that eve to meet with thee
again. And was it a like attraction on thy part, or the mysterious
influence that now guided all thy movements, which induced thee at
midnight to enter the Riverola gardens again, that thou mightest be, as
it were, upon the same spot where she dwelt, and scent the fragrance of
the same flowers that perfumed the atmosphere which she breathed? Oh!
doubtless it was that mysterious influence; for thou hast now that power
within thee which made thee strong to resist all the blandishments of
the siren, and to prefer the welfare of thine own soul to aught in this
world beside!

We said, then, at the commencement of this chapter that Fernand entered
the Riverola gardens shortly after midnight. But scarcely had he crossed
the iron railings, turned into the nearest path formed by shrubs and
evergreens, when he was startled by hearing another person enter the
grounds in the same unceremonious manner. Fernand accordingly stood aside
in the deep shade of the trees; and in a few moments a figure, muffled
like himself in a cloak, passed him rapidly by. Wagner was debating in
himself what course he should pursue--for he feared that some treachery
was intended toward Nisida--when to his boundless surprise, he heard the
mysterious visitant say in a low tone. "Is it you, lady?"--to which
question the unmistakable and never-to-be-forgotten voice of his Nisida
answered, "'Tis I, Demetrius. Follow me noiselessly, and breathe not
another word for the present!"

Fernand was shocked and grieved at what he had just heard, and which
savored so strongly of an intrigue. Had not his ears deceived him? was
this the Nisida from whom he had parted but little more than three weeks
back, and who had left him that tender note which he had found in the
hut on the island? But he had no time for reflection; the pair were
moving rapidly toward the mansion--and Wagner unhesitatingly followed,
his footsteps being soundless on the damp soil of the borders of
flowers, and his