The mysterious cave was formed of old furniture, covered with dark draperies, an opening being left at the back wherein the spirits called up by Norna might appear. A kitchen kettle filled with steaming water made an effective caldron over which the sorceress should murmur her incantations; flaming pine-knots cast a lurid glare over the scene; and large boughs, artfully arranged about the stage, gave it the appearance of a "gloomy wood." When Louis "retires within," he at once arrays himself in the white robes of the vision, and awaits the witch's call to rise behind the aperture in true dramatic style. He vanishes, quickly resumes his own attire, while Norna continues to weave her spells, till she sees he is ready to appear once more as the disguised Count Louis. SCENE SECOND. [_A wood._ Norna's _cave among the rocks._ _Enter_ Louis _masked._] Louis. Yes; 'tis the spot. How dark and still! She is not here. Ho, Norna, mighty sorceress! I seek thy aid. Norna [_rising from the cave_]. I am here. Louis. I seek thee, Norna, to learn tidings of one most dear to me. Dost thou know aught of Count Rodolpho's wife? A strange tale hath reached me that not many nights ago she disappeared, and none know whither she hath gone. Oh, tell me, is this true? Norna. It is most true. Louis. And canst thou tell me whither she hath gone? I will reward thee well. Norna. I can. She lies within her tomb, in the chapel of the castle. Louis. Dead!--it cannot be! They told me she had fled away with some young lord who had won her love. Was it not true? Norna. It is false as the villain's heart who framed the tale. _I_ bore the murdered lady to her tomb, and laid her there. Louis. Murdered? How? When? By whom? Oh, tell me I beseech thee! Norna. Her husband's cruel hand took the life he had made a burden. I heard him swear it ere he dealt the blow. Louis. Wherefore did he kill her? Oh, answer quickly or I shall go mad with grief and hate. _Norna._ I can tell thee little. From my hiding-place I heard her vow never to confess whose dagger had been found in her apartment, and her jealous lord, in his wild anger, murdered her. Louis. 'Twas mine. Would it had been sheathed in mine own breast ere it had caused so dark a deed! Ah, Theresa, why did I leave thee to a fate like this? Norna. Young man, grieve not; it is too late to save, but there is left to thee a better thing than grief. Louis. Oh, what? Norna. Revenge! Louis. Thou art right. I'll weep no more. Give me thine aid, O mighty wizard, and I will serve thee well. Norna. Who art thou? The poor lady's lover? Louis. Ah, no; far nearer and far deeper was the love I bore her, for I am her brother.