which you put it--I reply that I DO think a woman can
keep a secret.'

'But I do not,' said he, drily.

We walked on in silence for a time. I was much astonished at his
unwonted abruptness--I had almost said rudeness.

After a considerable pause he seemed to recollect himself, and with an
effort resuming his sprightly manner, he said:

'Well, well, the next thing to keeping a secret well is, not to desire
to possess one--talkativeness and curiosity generally go together. Now
I shall make test of you, in the first place, respecting the latter of
these qualities. I shall be your BLUEBEARD--tush, why do I trifle thus?
Listen to me, my dear Fanny; I speak now in solemn earnest. What I
desire is intimately, inseparably, connected with your happiness and
honour as well as my own; and your compliance with my request will not
be difficult. It will impose upon you a very trifling restraint during
your sojourn here, which certain events which have occurred since our
arrival have determined me shall not be a long one. You must promise
me, upon your sacred honour, that you will visit ONLY that part of the
castle which can be reached from the front entrance, leaving the back
entrance and the part of the building commanded immediately by it to the
menials, as also the small garden whose high wall you see yonder; and
never at any time seek to pry or peep into them, nor to open the door
which communicates from the front part of the house through the corridor
with the back. I do not urge this in jest or in caprice, but from
a solemn conviction that danger and misery will be the certain
consequences of your not observing what I prescribe. I cannot explain
myself further at present. Promise me, then, these things, as you hope
for peace here, and for mercy hereafter.'

I did make the promise as desired, and he appeared relieved; his manner
recovered all its gaiety and elasticity: but the recollection of the
strange scene which I have just described dwelt painfully upon my mind.

More than a month passed away without any occurrence worth recording;
but I was not destined to leave Cahergillagh without further adventure.
One day, intending to enjoy the pleasant sunshine in a ramble through
the woods, I ran up to my room to procure my bonnet and shawl. Upon
entering the chamber, I was surprised and somewhat startled to find it
occupied. Beside the fireplace, and nearly opposite the door, seated in
a large, old-fashioned elbow-chair, was