a,
worn out with long watchings and vigils in her brother's chamber, had
retired to her own apartment; but not before she had seen Francisco fall
into a sleep which, under the influence of a narcotic ordered by the
physician, promised to be long and soothing. The lady had not quitted
the chamber of the invalid ten minutes, when the door was slightly
opened; and some one's looks were plunged rapidly and searchingly into
the room:--then the visitor, doubtless satisfied by the result of his
survey, stole cautiously in.

He advanced straight up to the table which stood near the bed, drew a
small vial from the bosom of his doublet--and poured its crystal
contents into the beverage prepared to quench the thirst of the invalid.
Then, as he again secured the vial about his person, he murmured, "The
medicament of Christian Rosencrux will doubtless work greater wonders
than those of Dr. Duras, skilled though the latter be!"

Having thus mused to himself, the visitor shook Francisco gently; and
the young count awoke, exclaiming petulantly that he was athirst. A
goblet of the beverage containing the Rosicrucian fluid, was immediately
conveyed to his lips, and he drank the refreshing draught with
eagerness.

The effect was marvelous, indeed;--a sudden tinge of healthy red
appeared upon the cheeks a moment before so ashy pale--and fire once
more animated the blue eyes--and Francisco recovered complete
consciousness and self-possession for the first time since the dread
morning when he was attacked with a dangerous illness.

He closed his eyes for a few minutes; and when he opened them again, he
was surprised to perceive by his bedside a young, well-attired, and very
handsome man, whose countenance appeared to be familiar to him.

"Count of Riverola," said the visitor, bending over him, and speaking in
a low but kind tone, "despair not! Succor is at hand--and ere
forty-eight hours shall have passed away, your well-beloved Flora will
be free!"

Joy lighted up the countenance of the young nobleman, as these
delightful words met his ears; and, seizing his consoler's hand, he
exclaimed:

"A thousand thanks for this assurance! But, have we not met before?--or
was it in those wild dreams which have haunted my imagination that I
have seen thee?"

"Yes--we have met before, count," was the reply. "Dost thou not remember
Fernand Wagner?"

Francisco passed his hand across his brow, as if to settle his scattered
thoughts: then, at th