ion; but, in the next
moment, a thrill of terror shot through my heart--for the fascination of
the basilisk could scarcely paralyze its victim with more appalling
effect than did the eyes of that lady. It might be conscience qualms,
excited by some unknown influence--it might even have been imagination;
but it nevertheless appeared as if those large, black, burning orbs shot
forth lightnings which seared and scorched my very soul! For that
splendid countenance, of almost unearthly beauty, was suddenly marked by
an expression of such vindictive rage, such ineffable hatred, such
ferocious menace, that I should have screamed had I not been as it were
stunned--stupefied!

"The procession of priests swept past. I averted my head from the
stranger lady. In a few moments I again glanced hurriedly at the place
which she had occupied--but she was gone. Then I felt relieved! On
quitting the church, I frankly narrated to old Margaretha these
particulars as I have now unfolded them to you; and methought that she
was for a moment troubled as I spoke! But if she were, she speedily
recovered her composure--endeavored to soothe me by attributing it all
to my imagination, and earnestly advised me not to cause any uneasiness
to the count by mentioning the subject to him. I readily promised
compliance with this injunction; and in the course of a few days ceased
to think upon the incident which has made so strange but evanescent an
impression on my mind."

"Doubtless Dame Margaretha was right in her conjecture," said Wagner;
"and your imagination----"

"Oh, no--no! It was not fancy!" interrupted Agnes, hastily. "But listen,
and then judge for yourself. I informed you ere now that it was about
six months ago when the event which I have just related took place. At
that period, also, my noble lover--the ever-to be lamented Andrea--first
experienced the symptoms of that internal disease which has, alas!
carried him to the tomb."

Agnes paused, wiped away her tears, and continued thus:

"His visits to me consequently became less frequent;--I was more
alone--for Margaretha was not always a companion who could solace me for
the absence of one so dearly loved as my Andrea; and repeated fits of
deep despondency seized upon my soul. At those times I felt as if some
evil--vague and undefinable, but still terrible--were impending over me.
Was it my lord's approaching death of which I had a presentiment? I know
not! Weeks passed away; the count's