the landscape she started, for the sound of horse-hoofs clattered
over the stones of the avenue. She had scarcely risen before an
aristocratic young man fell on his knees before her.

"My Selina!"

"Edgardo! You here?"

"Yes, dearest."

"And--you--you--have--seen nothing?" said the lady in an agitated
voice and nervous manner, turning her face aside to conceal her
emotion.

"Nothing--that is nothing of any account," said Edgardo. "I passed
the ghost of your aunt in the park, noticed the spectre of your
uncle in the ruined keep, and observed the familiar features of the
spirit of your great-grandfather at his usual post. But nothing
beyond these trifles, my Selina. Nothing more, love, absolutely
nothing."

The young man turned his dark liquid orbs fondly upon the ingenuous
face of his betrothed.

"My own Edgardo!--and you still love me? You still would marry me
in spite of this dark mystery which surrounds me? In spite of the
fatal history of my race? In spite of the ominous predictions of
my aged nurse?"

"I would, Selina"; and the young man passed his arm around her