large
that the countess dared not make such a demand upon her husband's purse,
because the extravagances of her lover had lately compelled her to apply
so very, very frequently to the count for a replenishment of her funds.
The foul means were therefore resorted to--an old woman, who had been
the nurse of the countess in her infancy, and to whom in her distress
she applied for advice, having procured for the patrician lady the
services of Stephano Verrina, the bandit-captain.

It is not to be wondered at, then, if the Countess of Arestino were a
prey to the most poignant anxiety, as each successive quarter of an hour
passed without bringing either Stephano or any tidings from him. Even if
she feigned illness, so as to escape the ceremony of the following day,
relief would only be temporary, for the moment she should recover, or
affect to recover, her husband would again require her to accompany him
to the receptions of the prince.

Giulia's anguish had risen to that point at which such feelings become
intolerable, and suggest the most desperate remedies--suicide,--when a
low knock behind the pale-blue arras suddenly imparted hope to her soul.

Hastily raising the tapestry on that side whence the sound had emanated,
she drew back the bolt of a little door communicating with a private
staircase (usually found in all Italian mansions at that period), and
the robber chief entered the room.

"Have you succeeded?" was Giulia's rapid question.

"Your ladyship's commission has been executed," replied Stephano, who,
we should observe, had laid aside his black mask ere he appeared in the
presence of the countess.

"Ah! now I seem to live--breathe again!" cried Giulia, a tremendous
weight suddenly removed from her mind.

Stephano produced the jewel-case from beneath his cloak; and as the
countess hastily took it--nay, almost snatched it from him, he
endeavored to imprint a kiss upon her fair hand.

Deep was the crimson glow which suffused her countenance--her neck--even
all that was revealed of her bosom, as she drew haughtily back, and with
a sublime patrician air of offended pride.

"I thank you--thank you from the bottom of my soul, Signor Verrina," she
said in another moment; for she felt how completely circumstances had
placed her in the power of the bandit-chief, and how useless it was to
offend him. "Here is your reward," and she presented him a heavy purse
of gold.

"Nay, keep the jingling metal, lady," said S