old have you resided?"

A deep shade rose to Gina's face. "Madam, I am a stranger as yet to
servitude. I was not reared to expect such. But my mother is dead, and I
am now alone in the world. I have heard much, too, of the Countess of
Visinara's gentleness and worth, and should wish to serve her."

Some further conversation, a few preliminary arrangements, and Gina
Montani was installed at the castle as one of the countess's maids in
waiting: a somewhat contradistinctive term, be it understood, to a
_waiting-maid_, these attendants of high-born gentle-women being then
made, in a great degree, their companions. Gina speedily rose in favor.
Her manners were elegant and unassuming, and there was a sadness about
her which, coupled with her great beauty, rendered her eminently
interesting.

VI.

The Lady Adelaide stood at the eastern window of the Purple Room--so
called from its magnificent hangings--watching eagerly for the
appearance of her husband, it being the day and hour of his expected
return. So had she stood since the morning. Ah! what pleasure is there
in this world like that of watching for a beloved one! At the opposite
end of the apartment were her ladies, engaged upon some fancy work, in
those times violently in vogue, like that eternal knitting or
crotchet-work is in ours. "Come hither, Lucrezia," said the lady, at
length. "Discern you yon trees--groups of them scattered about, and
through which an occasional glimpse of the highway may be distinguished?
Nay, not there; far, far away in the distance. See you aught?"

"Nothing but the road, my lady. And yet, now I look attentively, there
seems to be a movement, as of a body of horsemen, Ah! now there is an
open space, and they are more distinct. It should be the count, madam,
and his followers."

"I think it is, Lucrezia," said the Lady Adelaide, calmly, not suffering
her emotion to appear in the presence of her maidens, for that haughty
girl brooked not that others should read her deep love for Giovanni.
"You may return to your embroidery."

The Count di Visinara rode at a sharp trot towards his home, followed by
his retainers; but when he discerned the form of his wife at the window,
he quickened the pace to a gallop, after taking off his plumed cap, and
waving his hand towards her in the distance. She pressed her heart to
still its throbbing, and waited his approach.

She heard him rattle over the drawbridge, and was turning to leave the
apartment