Page:Tales of the Dead.djvu/178

 posed horrors of Filippo, did every thing in their power to conceal this adventure: yet, on talking over all the circumstances, they could never satisfactorily explain the apparition of the mysterious mask at the time of the wedding fête. And what still appeared very surprising was, that the ring lost at the country villa was found amongst Camilla’s other jewels, at the time of their return from church.”

This is, indeed, a wonderful history!’ said the count. His wife uttered a deep sigh: and Ida exclaimed,—

It has really made me shudder.’

That is precisely what every betrothed person ought to feel who listens to such recitals,’ answered I, looking steadfastly at the duke, who, while I was talking, had risen and sat down again several times; and who, from his troubled look, plainly shewed that he feared I should counteract his wishes.

A word with you!’ he whispered me, as we were retiring to rest: and he accompanied me to my room. ‘I plainly perceive your generous intentions; this history invented for the occasion—”

Hold!’ said I to him in an irritated tone of voice: ‘I was eye-witness to what you have just heard. How then can you doubt its authenticity,