Page:Tales of the Dead.djvu/187

 tess. Her husband could not find words to express his astonishment.

Where is Marino?’ exclaimed Ida.

Do you ask us where he is?’ replied her mother; ‘did we not see you go out with him through that small door?’

That could not be;—you mistake.’

No, no; my dear child! A very short time since you were dancing with singular vehemence; and then you both went out together.’

Me! my mother?’

Yes, my dear Ida: how is it possible you should have forgotten all this?’

I have forgotten nothing, believe me.’

Where then have you been all this time?’

In my sister’s chamber,’ said Ida.

“I remarked that at these words the count became somewhat pale; and his fearful eye caught mine: he however said nothing. The countess, fearing that her daughter was deceiving her, said to her in an afflicted tone of voice:—

How could so singular a fancy possess you on a day like this?’

I cannot account for it; and only know, that all on a sudden I felt an oppression at my heart, and fancied that all I wanted was Hildegarde. At the same time I felt a firm belief that I should find