mansion.

By means of a pass-key Nisida opened the wicket-gate of the spacious
gardens, and she traversed the grounds, Margaretha walking by her side.
In a few minutes they reached a low door, affording admission into the
basement-story of the palace, and of which Nisida always possessed the
key.

"Go first," said the lady, in a scarcely audible whisper; "I must close
the door behind us."

"But wherefore this way?" demanded Margaretha, a sudden apprehension
starting up in her mind. "This door leads down to the cellars."

"The officers of justice are in search of Antonio--and I am concealing
him for your sake," was the whispered and rapid assurance given by
Nisida. "Would you have him die in peace in your arms, or perish on the
scaffold?"

Margaretha shuddered convulsively, and hurried down the dark flight of
stone steps upon which the door opened. Terrible emotions raged in her
bosom--indescribable alarms, grief, suspicion, and also a longing
eagerness to put faith in the apparent friendship of Nisida.

"Give me your hand," said the lady; and the hand that was thrust into
hers was cold and trembling.

Then Nisida hurried Margaretha along a narrow subterranean passage, in
which the blackest night reigned; and, though the old woman was a prey
to apprehensions that increased each moment to a fearful degree, she
dared not utter a word either to question--to implore--or to
remonstrate. At length they stopped; and Nisida, dropping Margaretha's
hand, drew back heavy bolts which raised ominous echoes in the vaulted
passage. In another moment a door began to move stubbornly on its
hinges; and almost at the same time a faint light gleamed
forth--increasing in power as the door opened wider, but still attaining
no greater strength than that which a common iron lamp could afford.
Margaretha's anxious glances were plunged into the cellar or vault to
which the door opened, and whence the light came: but she saw no one
within. It, however, appeared as if some horrible reminiscence,
connected with the place, came back to her startled mind; for, falling
on her knees, and clinging wildly to her companion, she cried in a
piercing tone, "Oh! lady, wherefore have you brought me hither?--where
is my son?--what does all this horrible mystery mean? But, chiefly now
of all--why, why are we here--at this hour?"

"In a few moments you shall know more!" exclaimed Nisida; and as she
spoke, with an almost superhuman strength she dragged, o