ld be devised to prevent it
for the future."

"Oh! tempt me not," cried the lady, wringing her hands. "I spoke hastily."

"Give but the orders, madam," resumed Lucrezia, "and they shall be put in
practice."

"How can I?" demanded the Lady Adelaide, once more pacing the room in her
anguish; "how could I ever rest afterwards, with the guilt of murder upon
my soul?"

"It will be no guilt, lady."

"Lucrezia!"

"I have made it my business to inquire much about this girl--to ascertain
her history. I thought it my duty, and very soon I should have laid the
whole matter before you."

"Well?"

"You may destroy her, madam, as you would destroy that little bird there
in its golden cage, without sin and without compunction."

"Oh, Lucrezia, Lucrezia! once more I say unto thee, tempt me not. Wicked
and artful as she is, she is still one of God's creatures."

"Scarcely, my lady," answered Lucrezia, with a gesture which spoke of deep
scorn for the culprit. "I have cause to believe--good cause," she repeated,
lowering her voice, and looking round, as if she feared the very walls
might hear the fearful words she was about to utter, "that she is one of
those lost creatures who are enemies to the Universal Faith, a descendant
of the Saxons, and an apostate; as too many of that race have become."

"_What_ say you?" gasped the Lady Adelaide.

"That we have been harboring a heretic, madam," continued Lucrezia, her
passion rising; "a spy, it may be, upon our holy ceremonies. No wonder
that evil has fallen upon this house."

"Go to the cell of Father Anselmo," shivered the Lady Adelaide, her teeth
chattering with horror, "and pray his holiness to step hither: this
fearful doubt shall at once be set at rest."

II.

Gina Montani, her head aching with suspense and anxiety, was shut up alone
in her chamber when she received a summons to the apartments of her
mistress. Obeying at once, she found the confessor, Father Anselmo,
sitting there, by the side of the countess. The monk cast his eyes
steadfastly upon Gina, as if examining her features. "Never, my daughter,
never!" he said, at length, turning to the countess. "I can take upon
myself to assert that this damsel of thine has never once appeared before
me to be shriven."

"Examine her," was the reply of the lady.

"Daughter," said the priest, turning to Gina, "for so I would fain call
thee, until assured that thou canst have no claim to the title, what faith
is it