e notice of the unsuspecting observer.

When Wagner was about to retire, Nisida made the following signal to her
brother:--"Express to the signor that he will ever be a welcome guest at
the palace of Riverola; for we owe kindness and friendship to the
brother of her whom our father dishonored."

But, to the astonishment of both the count and the Lady Nisida, Wagner
raised his hands, and displayed as perfect a knowledge of the language
of the dumb as they themselves possessed.

"I thank your ladyship for this unexpected condescension," he signaled
by the rapid play of his fingers; "and I shall not forget to avail
myself of this most courteous invitation."

It were impossible to describe the sudden glow of pleasure and delight
which animated Nisida's splendid countenance, when she thus discovered
that Wagner was able to hold converse with her, and she hastened to
reply thus: "We shall expect you to revisit us soon."

Wagner bowed low and took his departure, his mind full of the beautiful
Nisida.

CHAPTER XI.

NISIDA AND WAGNER--FRANCISCO AND FLORA--THE APPROACH OF SUNSET.

Upward of two months had passed away since the occurrences related in
the preceding chapter, and it was now the 31st of January, 1521.

The sun was verging toward the western hemisphere, but the rapid flight
of the hours was unnoticed by Nisida and Fernand Wagner, as they were
seated together in one of the splendid saloons of the Riverola mansion.

Their looks were fixed on each other's countenance; the eyes of Fernand
expressing tenderness and admiration, those of Nisida beaming with all
the passions of her ardent and sensual soul.

Suddenly the lady raised her hands, and by the rapid play of the
fingers, asked, "Fernand, do you indeed love me as much as you would
have me believe I am beloved?"

"Never in this world was woman so loved as you," he replied, by the aid
of the same language.

"And yet I am an unfortunate being--deprived of those qualities which
give the greatest charm to the companionship of those who love."

"But you are eminently beautiful, my Nisida; and I can fancy how sweet,
how rich-toned would be your voice, could your lips frame the words, '_I
love thee!_'"

A profound sigh agitated the breast of the lady; and at the same time
her lips quivered strangely, as if she were essaying to speak.

Wagner caught her to his breast; and she wept long and plenteously.
Those tears relieved her; and she returned his wa