refute the dreadful charge that has been made against him."

"Giovanni? Your lover is then an Italian?"

"Yes, the Viscount Giovanni Massetti."

"You became acquainted with him here in Paris?"

"No, madame; in Rome."

"And you think he has gone thither to clear himself of the charge you
mention?"

"Yes, madame. He came to Paris to solicit my hand, but suddenly
disappeared after the terrible charge was made. I have not heard from
him since and his silence weighs upon me like lead."

"I do not wonder at it; but, perhaps, after all, he is only waiting for
a complete vindication and does not wish to write until he has
everything satisfactorily arranged. I do not ask you the nature of the
charge, Zuleika, and would not allow you to state it to me even if you
were so disposed. But answer me one question. You have entire faith in
Giovanni's innocence, have you not?"

"I have, madame."

"You are sure he loves you, that he has not trifled with your
affections?"

"I am sure, madame."

"He is young, is he not?"

"Yes, madame, he is young."

"Doubtlessly his fault, whatever it may have been, was simply an
indiscretion due to his years that has been magnified and made to assume
unwarranted proportions by the tongues of envy and scandal. If so, he
will repair it and return to you. If he is altogether innocent, as you
feel convinced, he will move heaven and earth to justify himself in your
father's eyes and yours. Love is potent, Zuleika, and will accomplish
miracles. Trust Giovanni and trust Heaven! All will yet be made right
between your lover and yourself!"

"Would that I could feel so, madame, but I cannot!"

"And why, pray?"

"Because Giovanni evidently has powerful enemies in Rome and its
vicinity who, no doubt, are at this moment operating against him and
using all their efforts to prevent him from succeeding in his mission."

"What makes you think he has such remorseless enemies?"

"A letter my father received from Rome in response to inquiries he made
and the illusion--it must be an illusion--under which my brother
Esperance labors in regard to Giovanni."

"Your brother Esperance! Then he believes in young Massetti's guilt?"

"Alas! yes; he firmly believes in it and stigmatizes the Viscount as the
worst of scoundrels."

"Has he given you the reasons for his belief, has he stated them to your
father?"

"He has dealt only in vague, mysterious allusions; an oath of silence,
it appears, prevents him