astonished when he saw his friend there. "Leonora, my little Egeria--you here? And how did you come, and what brings you here?" "My Lord, I have been here some time; you were so engrossed you did not see nor hear me enter. I hope I do not intrude." "Oh! no--such an intrusion does not deserve the name: and what does my Egeria want? Is she come at last to see my lady, and little girl?" "No, I am come on an important errand--I am a messenger with strange tidings." "Of good I am sure, such a pretty herald could not bear ill tidings." "Do not be too confident, my Lord; the bright sunset heralds in black night." "Well, my love, you must tell me, and if I can do anything for you my help shall not be lacking." "It is not here, my Lord, I can tell you; it is not me they concern, but yourself,--will you follow me?" "Follow you--and whither? Really this is quite romantic and the hour well chosen! And what can concern me? Well, I will come if it is not far." "It is far though; as far as the Val di Bovino." "On my word, that is a long distance; and it is now getting late,--will not to-morrow do as well?" "No, Signore,--to-night; it is of the utmost importance; you know not what hangs on your coming." "But, my love, the Val is not a 'canny place,' as we say in Scotland; it is full of robbers. Now, I fear not for myself, but my life is of value to my family; it would not be safe nor right for me to go." "You need not fear, Signore; no one will touch you. I have a free pass from Luigi; see here it is (showing a card with some masonic words written on it); you need have no fear with me." "That alters it certainly. But let me at least tell my wife I am going." "My Lord, time is precious; lose no more; every minute is of priceless value. Waste no more time, Signore!" Certainly, thought the Earl, this is a curious predicament, and still there is something so romantic in it; I cannot help going,--and yet I may be doing wrong. But Leonora would not betray me; I am sure of her, safe as steel! But she may be the artless messenger of Luigi, and my life may be in peril. I do not value it at a straw for myself; but Ellen,--no, I ought not to go. "Leonora, I am not justified in going with you. To-morrow I will meet you at the Val." A shade of sorrow passed over the young girl's face. "Alas! Signore; then you trust me not; you think I would lead you to peril. Farewell, Signore. I had thought differently of you; I am sadly mistaken. You have no confidence; farewell! You will never see your Leonora more, but you may repent your not following her!" As she said these words, she mournfully turned away. It was not in mortal to resist any more. "I wrong you, love, I do!" exclaimed the Earl. "Stay, I will come. I will follow you anywhere. There could not be treachery in such a brow!"