st, now advanced, and taking the
brother and sister by the hands, led them from the chamber of death.

"Kind friends," said Francisco, now Count of Riverola, "I understand
you. You would withdraw my sister and myself from a scene too mournful
to contemplate. Alas! it is hard to lose a father; but especially so at
my age, inexperienced as I am in the ways of the world!"

"The world is indeed made up of thorny paths and devious ways, my dear
young friend," returned the physician; "but a stout heart and integrity
of purpose will ever be found faithful guides. The more exalted and the
wealthier the individual, the greater the temptations he will have to
encounter. Reflect upon this, Francisco: it is advice which I, as an
old--indeed, the oldest friend of your family--take the liberty to
offer."

With these words, the venerable physician wrung the hands of the brother
and sister, and hurried from the house, followed by the priest.

The orphans embraced each other, and retired to their respective
apartments.

CHAPTER II.

NISIDA--THE MYSTERIOUS CLOSET.

The room to which Nisida withdrew, between four and five o'clock on that
mournful winter's morning, was one of a suit entirely appropriated to
her own use.

This suit consisted of three apartments, communicating with each other,
and all furnished in the elegant and tasteful manner of that age.

The innermost of the three rooms was used as her bed-chamber, and when
she now entered it, a young girl of seventeen, beautiful as an angel,
but dressed in the attire of a dependent, instantly arose from a seat
near the fire that blazed on the hearth, and cast a respectful but
inquiring glance toward her mistress.

Nisida gave her to understand, by a sign, that all was over.

The girl started, as if surprised that her lady indicated so little
grief; but the latter motioned her, with an impatient gesture, to leave
the room.

When Flora--such was the name of the dependent--had retired Nisida threw
herself into a large arm-chair near the fire, and immediately became
buried in a deep reverie. With her splendid hair flowing upon her white
shoulders--her proud forehead supported on her delicate hand--her lips
apart, and revealing the pearly teeth--her lids with their long black
fringes half-closed over the brilliant eyes--and her fine form cast in
voluptuous abandonment upon the soft cushions of the chair--she indeed
seemed a magnificent creature!

But when, suddenly