e of
gratitude. Splendidly attired, promised an honorable career in arms,
if he chose to adopt the military profession, his whole future changed
by a fortunate accident, Michael was happy in the intimacy of the two
sisters. He now dared to aspire to the hand of her whom he had saved,
and whom he loved with all the intensity of a passionate nature. Thus
weeks and months rolled on like minutes, and he only awaited the
delivery of his manumission papers to join the banner of his
sovereign.

One day--an eventful day, indeed, for him--he received from Eudocia,
the elder sister, a message, inviting him to meet her in a summer
house that stood in a small garden connected with the castle. Punctual
to the hour named, he presented himself before her.

"Michael," said she, extending her hand to him, "I sent for you to
tell you a secret."

Her voice was so tremulous and broken, that the young man gazed
earnestly into her face, and saw that she had been weeping, and now
with difficulty suppressed her tears.

"Nay," said she, smiling feebly; "it will not be a secret long, for I
must tell it to my father as soon as he returns from court with the
royal endorsement to your manumission. I am going to leave you all."

"To leave us, lady?"

"Yes; I am going to take the veil."

"You, so beautiful, so young! It cannot be."

"Alas! youth, beauty, are insufficient to secure happiness. The world
may be a lonely place, even to the young and beautiful; the cloister
is a still and sacred haven on the road to a better world."

"And what has induced you to take this step? I have not noticed
hitherto any trace of sorrow or weariness in your countenance."

"You were studying a brighter page--the fair face of my sister. Start
not, Michael; I have divined your secret. She loves you, Michael; she
loves you with her whole soul. You will wed her and be happy; while
I----" She turned away her face to conceal her tears.

The young man heard only the blissful prediction that concerned
himself; he noted not the pangs of her who uttered it.

"Dearest lady!" he exclaimed, "you have rendered me the happiest of
men;" and dropping on his knees, he seized her hand and covered it
with kisses.

"Hark!" said Eudocia, in alarm; "footsteps! We are surprised; I must
not be seen here!" and with these words she fled.

Michael sprang to his feet. Before him stood the younger daughter of
Count Alexis, her eyes flashing fire, her whole frame quivering with
p