nt renewed his warmest thanks to
the chivalrous Greek for the kind interest he had manifested in his
behalf; and they separated at the gate of the Riverola mansion, into
which Francisco hurried to embrace his sister; while Demetrius repaired
to his own abode.

The meeting between Nisida and her brother Francisco was affecting in
the extreme; and for a brief space the softer feelings in the lady's
nature triumphed over those strong, turbulent, and concentrated passions
which usually held such indomitable sway over her. For her attachment to
him was profound and sincere; and the immense sacrifice she had made in
what she conceived to be his welfare and interests had tended to
strengthen this almost boundless love.

On his side, the young count was rejoiced to behold his sister, whose
strange disappearance and long absence had filled his mind with the
worst apprehensions. Yes, he was rejoiced to see her once more beneath
the ancestral roof; and, with a fond brother's pride, he surveyed her
splendid countenance, which triumph and happiness now invested with an
animation that rendered her surpassingly beautiful!

A few brief and rapidly-given explanations were exchanged between them,
by means of the language of the fingers,--Francisco satisfying Nisida's
anxiety in respect to the success of her project, by which the total
extermination of the banditti had been effected,--and she conveying to
him as much of the outline of her adventures during the last seven
months as she thought it prudent to impart. They then separated, it
being now very late; and, moreover, Nisida had still some work in hand
for that night. The moment Francisco was alone, he exclaimed aloud, "Oh!
is it possible that this dear sister who loves me so much, is really the
bitter enemy of Flora? But to-morrow--to-morrow I must have a long
explanation with Nisida; and Heaven grant that she may not stand in the
way of my happiness! Oh, Flora--dearest Flora, if you knew how deeply I
have suffered on your account during my captivity in that accursed
cavern! And what must you have thought of my disappearance--my absence!
Alas! did the same vengeance which pursued me wreak its spite also on
thee, fair girl?--did the miscreant, Antonio, who boastingly proclaimed
himself to my face the author of my captivity, and who sullenly refused
to give me any tidings of those whom I cared for, and of what was
passing in the world without,--did he dare to molest thee? But suspen