no
other suitor! Surely she loved no one else--she never could love any one
but Giovanni Massetti, for did he not possess her whole heart, all the
wealth of her ardent youthful affection?

She kissed the envelope, then opened it, took out the letter, which was
written in pencil, and read:

DEAREST ZULEIKA: I can keep from you no longer. I must see you once
more and again call you my own. I strove to attract your attention
just now in the chestnut tree outside the wall. I uttered your
beloved name, but you did not seem to understand me. This evening
at twilight I will scale the wall. At that time be at the elm where
you now stand and I will meet you there. Do not fail me, and, above
all, do not be afraid. I assure you that no harm can possibly
befall either of us. Meet me, darling.
Your own,
GIOVANNI.

Zuleika stood staring at this passionate note with sensations made up
of amazement, rapture and dismay. Giovanni, her lover, was coming. He
would stand there, on that very spot, and she would see him in all the
glory of his youthful manhood, with the radiant love-light in his eyes.
But how if he were discovered? What then would become of him and of her?
She shuddered at the possibilities of danger. But on one point she was
resolved--she would meet him let the danger be what it might. How
Giovanni would manage to avoid observation she did not know, but she
would trust to his judgment and discretion.

She glanced in the direction of the pupils and Sister Agatha. They were
coming slowly towards her. Again secreting her lover's epistle in her
bosom, she went to meet them.

CHAPTER III.

THE INTRUDER IN THE CONVENT GARDEN.

As the hour for the evening promenade drew near, Zuleika became
painfully excited, and uneasy. She longed with all her heart to see
Giovanni Massetti again, to hear the ardent words of love he would be
sure to utter, but would she be doing right to meet him clandestinely
and alone? Her mind misgave her. Of course she could trust her young
Italian lover, for he was the very soul of chivalry and honor. But did
others know this? How would her conduct be judged should the other
pupils and Sister Agatha steal upon them unawares? Giovanni might escape
without recognition, but with her it would be altogether different. She
could escape only by coining an ingenious lie, a