llow.

Nisida, who had retained her face buried in her hands during the whole
time occupied in the above conversation, happened to look up at that
moment; and, perceiving the condition of her father, she made a hasty
sign to Francisco to summon the physician and the priest from the room
to which they had retired.

This commission was speedily executed, and in a few minutes the
physician and the priest were once more by the side of the dying noble.

But the instant that Dr. Duras--who was a venerable looking man of about
sixty years of age--approached the bed, he darted, unseen by Francisco,
a glance of earnest inquiry toward Nisida, who responded by one of
profound meaning, shaking her head gently, but in a manner expressive of
deep melancholy, at the same time.

The physician appeared to be astonished at the negative thus conveyed by
the beautiful mute; and he even manifested a sign of angry impatience.

But Nisida threw upon him a look of so imploring a nature, that his
temporary vexation yielded to a feeling of immense commiseration for
that afflicted creature: and he gave her to understand, by another rapid
glance, that her prayer was accorded.

This interchange of signs of such deep mystery scarcely occupied a
moment, and was altogether unobserved by Francisco.

Dr. Duras proceeded to administer restoratives to the dying
nobleman--but in vain!

The count had fallen into a lethargic stupor, which lasted until four in
the morning, when his spirit passed gently away.

The moment Francisco and Nisida became aware that they were orphans,
they threw themselves into each other's arms, and renewed by that tender
embrace the tacit compact of sincere affection which had ever existed
between them.

Francisco's tears flowed freely; but Nisida did not weep!

A strange--an almost portentous light shone in her brilliant black eyes;
and though that wild gleaming denoted powerful emotions, yet it shed no
luster upon the depths of her soul--afforded no clew to the real nature
of these agitated feelings.

Suddenly withdrawing himself from his sister's arms, Francisco conveyed
to her by the language of the fingers the following tender
sentiment:--"You have lost a father, beloved Nisida, but you have a
devoted and affectionate brother left to you!"

And Nisida replied through the same medium, "Your happiness, dearest
brother, has ever been my only study, and shall continue so."

The physician and Father Marco, the prie