nd
profound stillness reigned. The two countesses Dorothea von Medem and
her sister, Eliza von der Necke, clung trembling to me, neither of them
daring to break the silence even with a sigh. Suddenly the darkness
disappeared, and, with trembling flashes of light, there stood written
on the wall: 'Memento Domini Oagliostro et omnis mansuetudinis ejus.'
We sank upon our knees, and implored thee to aid us. By degrees the
strange, secret characters disappeared, and darkness and silence
reigned. The stillness disquieted me at last, and I called for lights.
As the servant entered, the two countesses lay fainting upon the floor,
and thou hadst disappeared."

"Only to appear to thee at another time," said Cagliostro, "to receive
thee with solemn ceremonies into the magic circle--to initiate thee in
the secret wisdom of spirits, and prepare thee for the invisible lodge.
Recall what I said to thee, three days since, in Dresden. Do you still
remember it?"

"I recall it. Thou saidst: 'The secret service calls me to Mittau, with
the Countess Medem, to raise hidden treasure, of which the spirit has
given me knowledge, and decipher important magical characters on the
walls of a cloister. Before I leave, I will lead thee upon the way which
thou hast to follow in order to find the light, and let it illuminate
the soul which is worthy. Follow me, and I will lead thee to the path of
glory, power, and immortality.' These were thy words, master."

"I have now led thee hither," Cagliostro said to him, gently; "thy
soul doubts and trembles, for thou art blind seeing eyes, and deaf with
hearing ears."

"My soul doubts not, oh master--it comprehends not. I have followed
thee, devotedly and believingly. Thou knowest it, master, for thou
readest the souls of thy children, and seest their hidden thoughts.
Thou hast said to me in Dresden, 'Renounce your service to the Duke of
Courland.' I did it, and from equerry and lord chamberlain to the duke,
became a simple, private gentleman. I have renounced my titles and
dignities for thee, in happy trust in thee. My future lies in thy hands,
and, anxious to learn the mysteries of immortality, as a grateful,
trustful scholar, I would receive happiness and unhappiness at thy
hand."

"Thou shalt receive not only happiness," said Cagliostro, solemnly, "but
thou art one of the elect. The blue flame glows upon thy brow, it will
illuminate thy soul, and lead thee to the path of glory, power, and
might. To-