e
Count of Riverola retraced his steps to the immediate vicinity of the
coffin.

This scene, which so strangely interrupted the funeral ceremony, and
which has taken so much space to describe, did not actually occupy ten
minutes from the moment when the young lady first appeared in the
church, until that when she was borne away by the handsome stranger. The
funeral obsequies were completed; the coffin was lowered into the family
vault; the spectators dispersed, and the mourners, headed by the young
count, returned in procession to the Riverola mansion, which was
situated at no great distance.

CHAPTER V.

THE READING OF THE WILL.

When the mourners reached the palace, Francisco led the way to an
apartment where Nisida was awaiting their coming.

Francisco kissed her affectionately upon the forehead; and then took his
seat at the head of the table, his sister placing herself on his right
hand.

Dressed in deep mourning, and with her countenance unusually pale,
Nisida's appearance inspired a feeling of profound interest in the minds
of those who did not perceive that, beneath her calm and mournful
demeanor, feelings of painful intensity agitated within her breast. But
Dr. Duras, who knew her well--better, far better than even her own
brother--noticed an occasional wild flashing of the eye, a nervous
motion of the lips, and a degree of forced tranquillity of mien, which
proved how acute was the suspense she in reality endured.

On Francisco's left hand the notary-general, who had acted as one of the
chief mourners, took a seat. He was a short, thin, middle-aged man, with
a pale complexion, twinkling gray eyes, and a sharp expression of
countenance. Before him lay a sealed packet, on which the eyes of Nisida
darted, at short intervals, looks, the burning impatience of which were
comprehended by Dr. Duras alone; for next to Signor Vivaldi, the
notary-general--and consequently opposite to Nisida--sat the physician.

The remainder of the company consisted of Father Marco and those most
intimate friends of the family who had been invited to the funeral; but
whom it is unnecessary to describe more particularly.

Father Marco having recited a short prayer, in obedience to the custom
of the age, and the occasion, the notary-general proceeded to break the
seals of the large packet which lay before him: then, in a precise and
methodical manner, he drew forth a sheet of parchment, closely written
on.

Nisida lea