rage; he has told me the truth, the house is well
guarded," murmured Wilhelmine. "None but the summoned can enter; I
belong to the number, and when it is time Cagliostro will come and
fetch me. Until then, let me await quietly the result," said she, as
she stretched herself comfortably upon the sofa, laughing at her former
cowardice and terror. "No one can enter this room unless I open the
door, and fortunately there is but one exit. The wizard himself could
not gain admittance unless the walls should open or the bolt drive hack
for him. Hark! it strikes eleven, one tedious hour longer to wait. I
must try to rest a little." She laid her head upon the cushion, closing
her eyes. The calm and the quiet were refreshing after the excitement
of the day. Gradually her thoughts became confused--dim pictures floated
past her mental vision, her breathing became shorter, and she slept. The
stillness was unbroken, save the clock striking the quarters of every
hour. Scarcely had the last quarter to midnight sounded, when the window
was softly opened, and a dark form descended into the room. He listened
a moment, looking at the sleeping one, who moved not; then extinguished
the light, creeping toward the door. Wilhelmine slept on. Suddenly it
seemed to her as if sunbeams blinded her, and she started up from a
profound sleep. It was indeed no dream. A white form stood before her of
dazzling brilliancy, as if formed of sun-rays.
"Rise and follow me!" cried a commanding voice. "The Great Kophta
commands you. Mask yourself, and, as your life is dear to you, do
not raise it for one instant!" Wilhelmine took the mask, upon which
flickered a little blue flame, and held it close to her face. "Pray
in spirit, then follow me." Wilhelmine followed without opposition the
bright form which moved before her through the dark rooms. She felt as
if under the influence of a charm; her heart beat violently, her
feet trembled, but still she felt no more wavering or fear; a joyous
confidence filled her whole being. With her eyes bent upon the moving
form of light, she went onward in the obscurity, and entered the great
drawing-room, where profound darkness and silence reigned. A slight
murmur, as of those in prayer, fell on her car, and it seemed as if
numberless black shadows were moving about. "Kneel and pray," whispered
a voice near her. Her conductor had disappeared, and the gloom of night
surrounded her. Wilhelmine knelt as she was bidden, but she c
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