"The world is indeed made up of thorny paths and devious ways, my dear young friend," returned the physician; "but a stout heart and integrity of purpose will ever be found faithful guides. The more exalted and the wealthier the individual, the greater the temptations he will have to encounter. Reflect upon this, Francisco: it is advice which I, as an old--indeed, the oldest friend of your family--take the liberty to offer." With these words, the venerable physician wrung the hands of the brother and sister, and hurried from the house, followed by the priest. The orphans embraced each other, and retired to their respective apartments. CHAPTER II. NISIDA--THE MYSTERIOUS CLOSET. The room to which Nisida withdrew, between four and five o'clock on that mournful winter's morning, was one of a suit entirely appropriated to her own use. This suit consisted of three apartments, communicating with each other, and all furnished in the elegant and tasteful manner of that age. The innermost of the three rooms was used as her bed-chamber, and when she now entered it, a young girl of seventeen, beautiful as an angel, but dressed in the attire of a dependent, instantly arose from a seat near the fire that blazed on the hearth, and cast a respectful but inquiring glance toward her mistress. Nisida gave her to understand, by a sign, that all was over. The girl started, as if surprised that her lady indicated so little grief; but the latter motioned her, with an impatient gesture, to leave the room. When Flora--such was the name of the dependent--had retired Nisida threw herself into a large arm-chair near the fire, and immediately became buried in a deep reverie. With her splendid hair flowing upon her white shoulders--her proud forehead supported on her delicate hand--her lips apart, and revealing the pearly teeth--her lids with their long black fringes half-closed over the brilliant eyes--and her fine form cast in voluptuous abandonment upon the soft cushions of the chair--she indeed seemed a magnificent creature! But when, suddenly awaking from that profound meditation, she started from her seat with flashing eyes--heaving bosom--and an expression of countenance denoting a fixed determination to accomplish some deed from which her better feelings vainly bade her to abstain:--when she drew her tall--her even majestic form up to its full height, the drapery shadowing forth every contour of undulating bust and exquisitely modeled limb--while her haughty lip curled in contempt of any consideration save her own indomitable will--she appeared rather a heroine capable of leading an Amazonian army, than a woman to whom the sighing swain might venture to offer up the incense of love. There was something awful in the aspect of this mysterious being--something ineffably grand and imposing in her demeanor--as she thus suddenly rose from her almost recumbent posture, and burst into the attitude of a resolute and energetic woman.