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 chandelier was then drawn up through the ceiling, and the saloon was again cnlightened only by the feeble rays of the lamp.

The lady bade them approach, that she might fastcn on their helmets; the two friends then knelt before her, and she placed them on their heads. Then rising, and taking her golden wand and black book—"Follow me!" said she; and advancing a few paces in the saloon, she struck the inlaid floor with her wand, which opened at their feet, and discovered a staircase, by which they descended, prcceded by the Negress, who carried the lamp. After having descended about ten steps, they arrived at an iron door; the lady having touched it with her wand, it opened, and to his extrcme astonishmcnt, the Count de Nevers found himself in the subterraneous cavern. It was feebly illumined by that pale light, which cast the same ghastly appearance on all around as before, when it so forcibly struck him. The altar and glass were covered with a dark veil. Two figures, one of which represcntcd Time, the other Truth, hcld the corners of this veil in one of their hands, and seemed just going to lift it; whilst in the other, Time bore a dial, the finger of which marked the hour of midnight, and Truth held a mirror. Below the veil they saw in luminous characters, traced on an iron plate—"Lasciate agni speranza."

The lady then sat down on a throne, shining with gold and precious stones, which was before the altar, and made the two friends place themselves on each side of her, their visors lowered, and their hands upon their swords. "You will lift the visors of your helmets," said she, "at the moment I call upon you to bear witness; but make no other motion, and keep the strictest silcnce." Having made a sign with her wand, the Negress struck with a hammer upon a bell placed at the