Page:Zawis and Kunigunde (1895).djvu/217

 tombs of Egypt the ancient dead appeared at his call; and by magic sign learned the mysteries of life and death.”

“Did you hear any especial inquiry affecting me?” asked Judith, deeply aroused and eager.

“Only dark allusions to a lace veil steeped in hemlock and nightshade juice,” replied Teresa, “and as I looked I saw Zawis himself in vision receive it from the ghost hands of the spirits the Jew had called up. But it is not yet completed, and Zawis smiled at the splendid work, and the Jew vowed abundant incense to those that held it in their bony fingers. And on it were leaves as of the forest shrubs, and blossoms half concealed by mist and steam; and all seamed like a picture of fairy work, so perfect did the sprays and growing leaves appear.”

“Truly a strange gift from the spirits of darkness and of mist to a man!” interposed Judith.

“Nay, altissima,” observed Teresa, dropping her voice to a whisper, “it is a purposed gift to his young wife to wear at the baptism that may be. It will preserve from the malignant power of other imps not controlled by the Jew; for you know, altissima, all the spirits obey not one master.”

“Think you the gift will be beneficent when it comes?” inquired Judith.

“Not if the spirits are offended, or overpowered by other spirits,” answered Teresa. “In such case the stronger will prevail; and if Zawis finds his magic sorceries displeasing, he will confer the accursed gift on some enemy he is anxious to destroy.”