uncertainty that must now perplex you; without leading this dangerous and
roving life, which must at times expose you to insult, to annoyance, and
discontent you with, yourself."

"You are mistaken, lady," said the astrologer, proudly; "none know me who
do not fear. I am powerful, and I hug my power--it comforts me: without
it, what should I be?--an abject, forsaken, miserable woman. No! that
power I possess--to shake men's secret souls--even if it be a deceit--even
if I should laugh at them, not pity--reconciles me to myself and to the
past. And I am not poor, madam," as, with the common caprice of her
infirmity, an angry suspicion seemed to cross her; "I want no one's
charity, I have learned to maintain myself. Nay, I could be even wealthy
if I would!"

"And," said Constance, seeing that for the present she must postpone her
benevolent intentions, "and he--Godolphin--you forgive him still?"

At that name, it was as if a sudden charm had been whispered to the
fevered heart of the poor fanatic; her head sank from its proud bearing; a
deep, a soft blush coloured the wan cheek; her arms drooped beside her;
she trembled violently; and, after a moment's silence, sank again on her
seat and covered her face with her hands. "Ah!" said she, softly, "that
word brings me back to my young days, when I asked no power but what love
gave me over one heart: it brings me back to the blue Italian lake, and
the waving pines, and our solitary home, and my babe's distant grave.
Tell me," she cried, again starting up, "has he not spoken of me
lately--has he not seen me in his dreams? have I not been present to his
soul when the frame, torpid and locked, severed us no more, and, in the
still hours, I charmed myself to his gaze? Tell me, has he not owned that
Lucilla haunted his pillow? Tell me; and if I err, my spells are nothing,