nd at that her whole
nature revolted. She could not stoop to an innocent deception, much less
to an absolute falsehood. Why had Giovanni tempted her? Why had he
sought to place her in a situation he must know would be perilous? There
was but one answer--because of his love--and that answer was sufficient
to induce her to take the risk, however great it might be. Yes, she
would meet him at the appointed time and spot.

At length the bell rang for the promenade, and Sister Agatha headed the
little procession for the garden. For a brief space Zuleika lingered
with her companions among the shady walks and gorgeous flowers, but at
the first opportunity stole away and sought the leafy elm, beneath the
friendly boughs of which she was to receive the welcome yet dreaded
visit from the Viscount Massetti. She gained the rendezvous unobserved,
with loudly beating heart. The young Italian was not there. She searched
eagerly but vainly for him in the gathering twilight. What had happened
to prevent his coming? She was on thorns of anxiety. Perhaps he had
attempted to scale the wall and had fallen, sustaining some severe
injury! Perhaps even then, while she was waiting for him, he was lying
outside the wall, bruised and bleeding! But what could she do? Only
wait, wait, with torturing thoughts seething in her troubled brain.

She listened intently. Not a sound. If Giovanni were wounded, disabled,
he was maintaining a most heroic silence. She drew a magnificent gold
watch, the exquisite case of which was thickly incrusted with diamonds,
from her belt and glanced at the dial. It was after seven o'clock, and
by eight all the scholars were required to be safely housed within the
convent. Besides, she was not sure that she would not be missed,
searched for and found. What should she do, what course should she take?

As she was debating within herself, uncertain whether to remain or
return, there was a rustle amid the foliage of the chestnut tree
immediately outside the garden enclosure, and a man's form swung from
one of the branches to the top of the wall. Zuleika's emotion well-nigh
overcame her. She had recognized Giovanni. In another instant he had
leaped from the wall to the ground and was at her side. He stretched out
his arms to her and the girl, all of a tremble, impetuously cast herself
into them.

"Oh! Giovanni!" she murmured. "At last. I feared some terrible accident
had befallen you."

"I am safe, darling Zuleika," answere