Page:Tales of the Dead.djvu/183

 “The marriage took place without any interruption: but still there was very little of gaiety at the feast, which usually on these occasions is of so splendid and jocund a nature. The ball in the evening was dull; and Marino alone danced with most extraordinary glee.

Fortunately, monsieur le marquis,’ said he in my ear, quitting the dance for an instant and laughing aloud, “there are no ghosts or spirits here, as at your Venetian wedding.’

Don’t,’ I answered, putting up my finger to him, ‘rejoice too soon: misery is slow in its operations; and often is not perceived by us blind mortals till it treads on our heels.’

“Contrary to my intention, this conversation rendered him quite silent; and what convinced me the more strongly of the effect it had made on him, was, the redoubled vehemence with which the duke again began dancing.

“The countess in vain entreated him to be careful of his health: and all Ida’s supplications were able to obtain was, a few minutes’ rest to take breath when he could no longer go on.

“A few minutes after, I saw Ida in tears, which did not appear as if occasioned by joy; and she quitted the ball-room. I was standing as close to the door as I am to you at this moment; so that I could not for an instant doubt its being really Ida: