at an early period of the night, nor to withdraw
her dagger from the bosom of the murdered Margaretha--Nisida fled from
the vault, and regained her own apartment in safety, and unperceived.

* * * * *

When morning dawned, Nisida rose from a couch in which she had obtained
two hours of troubled slumber, and, having hastily dressed herself,
proceeded to the chamber of her brother Francisco.

But he was not there--nor had his bed been slept in during the past
night.

"He is searching after his Flora," thought Nisida. "Alas, poor
youth--how it grieves me thus to be compelled to thwart thee in thy
love! But my oath--and thine interests, Francisco, demand this conduct
on my part. And better--better it is that thou shouldst hear from
strangers the terrible tidings that thy Flora is a prisoner in the
dungeon of the inquisition, where she can issue forth only to proceed to
the stake! Yes--and better, too, is it that she should die, than that
this marriage shall be accomplished!"

Nisida quitted the room, and repaired to the apartment where the morning
repast was served up.

A note, addressed to herself, lay upon the table. She instantly
recognized the handwriting of Dr. Duras, tore open the billet, and read
the contents as follows:

"My brother Angelo came to me very late last night and informed
me that a sense of imperious duty compelled him to change his
mind relative to the two women Francatelli. He accordingly
appeared on their behalf, and obtained a delay of eight days.
But nothing can save them from condemnation at the end of this
period, unless indeed immense interests be made on their account
with the duke. My brother alone deserves your blame, dear
friend; let not your anger fall on your affectionate and devoted
servant.

"JERONYMO DURAS."

Nisida bit her lips with vexation. She now regretted she had effected
the liberation of Francisco before she was convinced that Flora was past
the reach of human mercy;--but, in the next moment she resumed her
haughty composure, as she said within herself, "My brother may essay all
_his_ influence: but mine shall prevail!"

Scarcely had she established this determination in her mind, when the
door was burst open, and Francisco--pale, ghastly, and with eyes
wandering wildly--staggered into the apartment.

Nisida, who really felt deeply on his account, sprung