Page:Tales of the Dead.djvu/159

 were still sitting at table; and some one said that iniquity is frequently punished in this world: upon which I observed, that I myself had witnessed striking proofs of the truth of this remark;—when Ida and her mother entreated me to name one of these examples.

Under these circumstances, ladies,’ answered I, ‘permit me to relate a history to you, which, according to my opinion, will particularly interest you.’

Us!’ they both exclaimed. At the same time I fixed my eyes on the duke, who for several days past had evidently distrusted me; and I saw that his conscience had rendered him pale.

That at least is my opinion,’ replied I: ‘But, my dear count, will you pardon me, if the supernatural is sometimes interwoven with my narration?’

Very willingly,’ answered he smiling: ‘and I will content myself with expressing my surprise at so many things of this sort having happened to you, as I have never experienced any of them myself.’

“I plainly perceived that the duke made signs of approval at what he said: but I took no notice of it, and answered the count by saying,

“That all the world have not probably the use of their eyes.