ng the sign of the cross upon Cagliostro, and
bent his steps to the throne, raising the veil which enveloped Lorenza.
She looked up to him with glowing cheeks and sparkling eyes, smiling. By
this she would express her thanks for the princely gift to her husband,
and swear to the General her delight, her fidelity, and love. He
regarded her as coldly and calmly as a physician a patient.

"Yes, holy father, I have heard all," she said, with a sweet, flute-like
voice. "My heart is filled with gratitude and emotion."

"Prove it by assisting your husband to attain the goal for which we send
him forth. I have already said that vice must serve virtue, Lorenza.
Beauty is a power, and if it serves holy purposes, so is it sanctified.
Employ your beauty to win adherents to the order, and extend the power
of the Rosicrucians in every land, and among all nations."

"I swear that this shall be my holiest endeavor," cried Lorenza, rising.

The General pressed her back upon the pillow, saying: "Remain, for there
is no one here for you to enchant. I bring you pardon for your sins, and
an indulgence for every sin which you will commit, if you swear to serve
faithfully the holy Church and the pious fathers of Jesus."

"I swear," solemnly cried Lorenza.

"Here is the letter of indulgence from Pius VI. himself, made out in
your name for you. Take it, and perform your duty." He laid down the
parchment provided with the papal seal upon her shoulder, and drawing
the veil over her made the sign of the cross, saying, "I bless you, and
give you absolution for your sins."

"Bless me also, lord and master," cried Cagliostro, kneeling upon the
lowest step to the throne.

"I bless you in the name of Loyola. Remain upon your knees, and follow
me not." He extended his hands over him, and blessed him, then slowly
withdrew.

The first beams of the morning sun shone through the great window-panes,
lighting up with its golden rays Cagliostro's kneeling form. He remained
with his head bowed until the General had passed out. "He is gone;
Heaven be praised, he is gone!"

"Yes, he is gone," repeated Lorenza, springing from the couch. "Is it
true, has he given you half a million?"

Cagliostro held up with triumphant air the letters. "See, these
addresses are upon the first banking-houses in Rome, Paris, London, and
Berlin!"

"Do you believe that they are genuine?"

"I am convinced of it."

"Then we have attained our aim; we are rich and powerful