ng me. Oh, my husband,
may this last deed of mine give thee all the joy it could not bring to
her who could only die for thee. Farewell life, farewell love; my latest
prayer is for thee, Adrian. [_She lies down and falls gently asleep._]

CURTAIN.

SCENE NINTH.

[_Terrace in_ Nina's _garden_.
_Enter_ Adrian _with letter_.]

Adrian. What means this letter from her hand? 'Twas given me by her
servant while she slept. Does she call me home again? Ah, little can she
know how fondly now her cold, proud husband longs to fold her in his
arms and bless the hour when he lost wealth and won her noble love.
[_Opens the letter and reads._]

I send thee back the cruel words that have banished all the
hopes of happiness with thee. I cannot win thy heart; and this
sad truth hath broken mine. And now, upon my dying bed, I leave
thee all the wealth that could not win one tender smile for her
who pined for it in vain. Thou hast scorned my love, take thou
the gold which is worthless to me now. Farewell, my husband; I
am faithful to the last, and my lips blessed thee ere they
drank the draught that soon will free me from my sorrow, and
thee from thy unloved but loving
Nina.

Adrian. My cruel words? What means this? Stay, there is another paper,
and it may tell me more. [_Reads_ Felix's _forged letter and dashes it
down_.] 'Tis false, false as the villain's heart who forged the lie and
brought agony like this to that pure, loving heart. Oh, Nina, Nina, now
when I so fondly love thee, thou hast been deceived, and died still
blessing him thou deemed so cruel and so cold. Oh, that I could but win
thee back for one short hour, that I might tell my penitence and my deep
sorrow for the grief I have brought thee. Yet, blessed thought, it may
not be too late. She slept but one short hour ago, when this was taken
from her hand. She may yet linger at the gates of death, and I may call
her back to happiness and life once more. Oh, if I may but win this
blessing to my heart, my life shall be one prayer of thankfulness for
the great boon [_rushes out_].

CURTAIN.

SCENE TENTH.

[Nina's _chamber_.
Nina _lies in a deep trance upon her