she clasped her
hands convulsively together.

CHAPTER XX.

FRANCISCO AND NISIDA--DR. DURAS AND THE LETTER.

The greatest confusion prevailed in the Riverola Palace, when, in the
morning, the disappearance of Flora Francatelli was discovered.

Nisida hastened, at an early hour, to her brother's apartment, and
intimated to him the fact that she was nowhere to be found.

Francisco, who was already dressed, was overwhelmed with grief at this
announcement, and, in the first excess of excitement, conveyed to her
his intention of seeking the young maiden throughout the city.

He was hastening to quit the room, when Nisida held him back, and
intimated to him that his anxiety in this respect would create
suspicions injurious alike to his reputation and that of Flora
Francatelli--the more so, as she was but a menial in the household.

Francisco paused and reflected for a few moments; then, having tenderly
embraced his sister, he hastily addressed her by the symbolic language
in which they were accustomed to converse:

"Pardon me, beloved Nisida, for having kept a secret from thee--the only
one that my heart has ever so selfishly cherished."

Nisida appeared to be profoundly astonished at this communication, and
made an impatient sign for him to proceed.

"You will not be surprised at my anxiety to seek after the missing
girl," he continued, "when I intimate to you that I love her--and that,
next to yourself, she is dearer to me than I can express."

"Your passion can scarcely be an honorable one, Francisco," was the
reproach conveyed by Nisida, while her countenance wore a corresponding
expression.

"I would sooner die than harbor an injurious thought in respect to that
virtuous and beautiful creature!" responded the young count, his face
flushed with the glow of generous emotions. "My happiness is intimately
connected with this attachment, Nisida, and I feel convinced that you
would rather forward my views than oppose them."

"Yes, dear brother," was the reply which she conveyed to him: "your
happiness is my only consideration."

But, as she gave this assurance, an ill-subdued sigh escaped her breast,
and she compressed her lips tightly to crush the emotions that were
agitating her. A cloud evanescently appeared on the broad and marble
forehead; the penciled brows contracted, and the eyes flashed
brightly--oh! far more brightly than glanced the ray of the morning sun
through the windows, upon the glossy