e
would have been taken for the most elegant and charming cavalier that
ever honored the Florentine Republic with his presence.

In about a quarter of an hour she reached the abode of Dr. Duras; but
instead of entering it, she passed round one of its angles, and opening
a wicket by means of a key which she had about her, gained access to the
gardens in the rear of the mansion.

She traversed these grounds with hasty steps, passing the boundary which
separated them from the gardens of Wagner's dwelling, and then relaxing
her pace, advanced with more caution to the windows of this very
apartment where Agnes had been so alarmed two months previously, by
observing the countenance at the casement.

But all was now dark within. Wagner was not in his favorite room--for
Nisida _knew_ that this was her lover's favorite apartment.

Perhaps he had not yet returned?

Thus thought the lady; and she walked slowly round the spacious
dwelling, which, like the generality of the patrician mansions of
Florence in those times--as indeed is now the case to a considerable
extent--stood in the midst of extensive gardens.

There were lights in the servants' offices; but every other room seemed
dark. No; one window in the front, on the ground-floor, shone with the
luster of a lamp.

Nisida approached it, and beheld Agnes reclining in a pensive manner on
a sofa in a small but elegantly-furnished apartment. Her countenance was
immediately overclouded; and for an instant she lingered to gaze upon
the sylph-like form that was stretched upon that ottoman. Then she
hastily pursued her way; and, having perfected the round of the
building, once more reached the windows of her lover's favorite room.

Convinced that he had not returned, and fearful of being observed by any
of the domestics who might happen to pass through the gardens, Nisida
retraced her way toward the dwelling of Dr. Duras. But her heart was now
heavy, for she knew not how to act.

Her original object was to obtain an interview with Wagner that very
night, and learn, if possible, the reason of his extraordinary conduct
toward her: for the idea of remaining in suspense for many long, long
hours, was painful in the extreme to a woman of her excitable nature.

She was, however, compelled to resign herself to this alternative; and,
having let herself through the wicket belonging to the physician's
gardens, she directed her steps homeward.

On her way she passed by the gate of t