could not be discerned-the prayer was made, and the two were
solemnly declared to be husband and wife. The lady had essayed
several times to speak aloud, as we have seen, to express some
feeling or wish, and she seemed as if anticipating some
encouragement from him she was about to wed; but she was each time
hushed by the speed with which everything was done, or by a gentle
whisper from her companion. The ceremony completed, the signora drew
back to a chair, overcome by her swift ride, and the emotions that
crowded themselves upon her throbbing and trembling heart.

At this moment there entered the apartment the tall figure of a man
apparently advanced is years, who, turning his back upon Florinda,
conversed for a moment with the bridegroom, then both turning
towards Florinda at the moment a couple of lamps were introduced
into the room, when lo! she beheld before her Signor Latrezzi, her
uncle, and her husband, Petro Giampetti! With a scream of horror and
affright, she fell fainting upon the floor.

The uncle and nephew were both filled with horror, for both believed
that they had killed her, as they gazed upon her pale and lifeless
form. Either would lave sacrificed everything to have taken all back
again, and restored her to life and happiness. Can this be thee,
Petro Giampetti, trembling like a child-nay, a tear actually wetting
that swarthy check, as you chafe the pulse, and bathe the temples of
that insensible girl? And hast thou really so tender a heart, and
yet couldst enter into so hard-hearted a conspiracy? And thou,
Signor Latrezzi, well mayst thou hide thy face in thy hands, for
thou art the greatest sinner here; thine has been the hand that hath
done this; that hath triumphed over this poor girl, whom thou
shouldst have protected.