too
far from the villa to send him any assistance, and as a secret
presentiment was joined to the horror and pity caused by the spectacle,
I felt the greatest anxiety about the stranger. The night was near, and
the sky became darker every moment. By the flashes of lights here and
there, I saw the bark almost sinking, and ere long, it was entirely
gone--and the tranquil waves of the lake, calm as they are wont to be,
rolled over it. My strength deserted me, and almost in a fainting
condition, I fell on the strand. I did not absolutely lose
consciousness; for far in the distance I heard the sound of sudden blows
on the water, for which at the time I could not account. The noise
approached, and grew every moment more distinct. I then heard the sound,
as it were, of a body falling on the sand, accompanied by a painful cry.
I heard no more. Soon I saw the light of the torches of my servants, who
being uneasy, had come to look for me. They found me, and also a half
inanimate body, dripping with water. It was doubtless the person whose
boat had foundered in the water, and I ordered him to be taken to the
villa and carefully attended to. It was late, and I returned. A few
hours had passed since the event, and I was sitting alone at the piano.
Fancy bore me back to my last appearance at San-Carlo, where a mad and
infatuated public had bade me so enthusiastic an adieu. While all that
crowd had eyes, for him alone I wished to be beautiful--for him alone to
be worthy of the admiration I excited. Dreaming this, my fingers run
over the keys, and joining my voice to the instrument, I sang almost
unconsciously that touching air in which I had been so much applauded.
My song was at first low and half-whispered, but gradually increased in
power. I thought I spoke to him, and that his eyes were fixed on mine.
At last I paused, pale with surprise, joy and terror. In the glass
before me I saw Count Monte-Leone."

The memory of this event was so distinct and exciting, that the Duchess
paused and looked around for the apparition which had caused her such
keen emotion. Then, as if she delighted to place the knife in the wound,
she took up the manuscript, and continued:--

"'Excuse me, Madame,' said the Count, 'for having thus introduced myself
into your house; but I am come to thank you for the cares I have
received in your name.'

"'You--you here?' said I, yet doubting my eyes. 'Is it a dream or
vision? Speak, speak once more, that, I may