-I raise the veil.)

CHAPTER 4.I.

Come vittima io vengo all' ara.
"Metast.," At. ii. Sc. 7.

(As a victim I go to the altar.)

It was about a month after the date of Zanoni's departure and Glyndon's
introduction to Mejnour, when two Englishmen were walking, arm-in-arm,
through the Toledo.

"I tell you," said one (who spoke warmly), "that if you have a particle
of common-sense left in you, you will accompany me to England. This
Mejnour is an imposter more dangerous, because more in earnest, than
Zanoni. After all, what do his promises amount to? You allow that
nothing can be more equivocal. You say that he has left Naples,--that he
has selected a retreat more congenial than the crowded thoroughfares of
men to the studies in which he is to initiate you; and this retreat is
among the haunts of the fiercest bandits of Italy,--haunts which justice
itself dares not penetrate. Fitting hermitage for a sage! I tremble for
you. What if this stranger--of whom nothing is known--be leagued with
the robbers; and these lures for your credulity bait but the traps
for your property,--perhaps your life? You might come off cheaply by
a ransom of half your fortune. You smile indignantly! Well, put
common-sense out of the question; take your own view of the matter.
You are to undergo an ordeal which Mejnour himself does not profess to
describe as a very tempting one. It may, or it may not, succeed: if it
does not, you are menaced with the darkest evils; and if it does, you
cannot be better off than the dull and joyless mystic whom you have
taken for a master. Away with this folly; enjoy youth while it is left
to you; return with me to England; forget these dreams; enter your
proper career; form affections more respectable than those which lured
you awhile to an Italian adventuress. Attend to your fortune, make
money, and become a happy and distinguished man. This is the advice of
sober friendship; yet the promises I hold out to you are fairer than
those of Mejnour."

"Mervale," said Glyndon, doggedly, "I cannot, if I would, yield to
your wishes. A power that is above me urges me on; I cannot resist
its influence. I will proceed to the last in the strange career I have
commenced. Think of me no more. Follow yourself the advice you give to
me, and be happy."

"This is madness," said Mervale; "your health is already failing; you
are so changed I should scarcely know you. Come; I have already had your
name entered in