me from witnessing with impatience the slow progress of time. I
approached the Castle, and ventured to walk round it. A few rays of
light still glimmered in the chamber of Agnes. I observed them with
joy. I was still gazing upon them, when I perceived a figure draw near
the window, and the Curtain was carefully closed to conceal the Lamp
which burned there. Convinced by this observation that Agnes had not
abandoned our plan, I returned with a light heart to my former station.

The half-hour struck! The three-quarters struck! My bosom beat high
with hope and expectation. At length the wished-for sound was heard.
The Bell tolled 'One,' and the Mansion echoed with the noise loud and
solemn. I looked up to the Casement of the haunted Chamber. Scarcely
had five minutes elapsed, when the expected light appeared. I was now
close to the Tower. The window was not so far from the Ground but that
I fancied I perceived a female figure with a Lamp in her hand moving
slowly along the Apartment. The light soon faded away, and all was
again dark and gloomy.

Occasional gleams of brightness darted from the Staircase windows as
the lovely Ghost past by them. I traced the light through the Hall:
It reached the Portal, and at length I beheld Agnes pass through the
folding gates. She was habited exactly as She had described the
Spectre. A chaplet of Beads hung upon her arm; her head was enveloped
in a long white veil; Her Nun's dress was stained with blood, and She
had taken care to provide herself with a Lamp and dagger. She advanced
towards the spot where I stood. I flew to meet her, and clasped her in
my arms.

'Agnes!' said I while I pressed her to my bosom,
Agnes! Agnes! Thou art mine!
Agnes! Agnes! I am thine!
In my veins while blood shall roll,
Thou art mine!
I am thine!
Thine my body! Thine my soul!

Terrified and breathless She was unable to speak: She dropt her Lamp
and dagger, and sank upon my bosom in silence. I raised her in my
arms, and conveyed her to the Carriage. Theodore remained behind in
order to release Dame Cunegonda. I also charged him with a letter to
the Baroness explaining the whole affair, and entreating her good
offices in reconciling Don Gaston to my union with his Daughter. I
discovered to her my real name: I proved to her that my birth and
expectations justified my pretending to her Niece, and assured her,
though it was out of my power to return her love, that I wo