Page:Tales of the Dead.djvu/165

 was soon distinguished, while conducting to the villa, now decorated with flowers, the numerous gondolas containing parties of the best company.

“During the dinner, which lasted till evening, the betrothed couple exchanged rings. At the very moment of their so doing, a piercing shriek was heard, which struck terror into the breasts of all the company, and absolutely struck Filippo with horror. Every one ran to the windows: for although it was becoming dark, each object was visible; but no one was to be seen.”

“Stop an instant,” said the duke to me, with a fierce smile—His countenance, which had frequently changed colour during the recital, evinced strong marks of the torments of a wicked conscience. “I am also acquainted with that story, of a voice being heard in the air; it is borrowed from the ‘Memoirs of Mademoiselle Clairon;’ a deceased lover tormented her in this completely original manner. The shriek in her case was followed by a clapping of hands: I hope, monsieur le marquis, that you will not omit that particular in your story.”

“And why,” replied I, “should you imagine that nothing of a similar nature could occur to any one besides that actress? Your incredulity appears to me so much the more extraordinary, as it seems to rest on facts which may lay claim to belief.”