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18 o save me," "Me," faintly reiterated Isidora." “ Yes," continued the detested wretched man, " Thee; thou can'st not suffer with a union with me, though I am thus preserved-shudder not for I am yet a man- a wretched, tempted, conquered being; pride, curiosity, and ambition, urged me to study secrets beyond the unaided art of man to reach. I have gained them, thou hast learned at what a price." Isidora could only utter, "No more, no more," and grasped her crucifix. “Well then, inhuman woman, learn that I have earthly power at least upon thee; judge between me and thy child"-and as he spoke he seized the boy with his never-failing arm, and was instantly surrounded by the drawn blades of the ruffians, who declared they awaited his bidding. “Oh! my child!" screamed the distracted Isidora--"my child, my only one, my widowed hope. Montilla! stranger! pity me." "I do" replied he, “but I owe myself an awful act of justice-wilt thou be mine? the hour of midnight fast approaches-wilt thou be mine?" “Never! ;never!" resolutely answered the lady, making a grasp towards her child: but Montilla was aware of the movement, and passed the child to Spalatro, saying, "Keep within hearing of my whistle; serve thy arm with strength, and if I fail to give a signal to thee when thou hearest the first stroke of the midnight bell, let it guide thy weapon to the youthful Juan's heart.” On hearing this the heart of Isidora give way, and she uttered a faint assent to the demand of Montilla; but the pealing thunder prevented it reaching the year of any one. Nature began so clothe herself in all her terrors; but Isidora's heart was heedless of the pelting storm, and occupied alone by terrors for her boy: Time went on, and Montilla, who beheld the angry omens of heaven, turned once again before the Dona, in the hope of affecting a change in her