"The procession of priests swept past. I averted my head from the stranger lady. In a few moments I again glanced hurriedly at the place which she had occupied--but she was gone. Then I felt relieved! On quitting the church, I frankly narrated to old Margaretha these particulars as I have now unfolded them to you; and methought that she was for a moment troubled as I spoke! But if she were, she speedily recovered her composure--endeavored to soothe me by attributing it all to my imagination, and earnestly advised me not to cause any uneasiness to the count by mentioning the subject to him. I readily promised compliance with this injunction; and in the course of a few days ceased to think upon the incident which has made so strange but evanescent an impression on my mind." "Doubtless Dame Margaretha was right in her conjecture," said Wagner; "and your imagination----" "Oh, no--no! It was not fancy!" interrupted Agnes, hastily. "But listen, and then judge for yourself. I informed you ere now that it was about six months ago when the event which I have just related took place. At that period, also, my noble lover--the ever-to be lamented Andrea--first experienced the symptoms of that internal disease which has, alas! carried him to the tomb." Agnes paused, wiped away her tears, and continued thus: "His visits to me consequently became less frequent;--I was more alone--for Margaretha was not always a companion who could solace me for the absence of one so dearly loved as my Andrea; and repeated fits of deep despondency seized upon my soul. At those times I felt as if some evil--vague and undefinable, but still terrible--were impending over me. Was it my lord's approaching death of which I had a presentiment? I know not! Weeks passed away; the count's visits occurred at intervals growing longer and longer--but his affection toward me had not abated. No: a malady that preyed upon his vitals retained him much at home;--and at last, about two months ago, I received through Antonio the afflicting intelligence that he was confined to his bed. My anguish now knew no bounds. I would fly to him--oh! I would fly to him:--who was more worthy to watch by his couch than I, who so dearly loved him! Dame Margaretha represented to me how painful it would be to his lordship were our _amour_ to transpire through any rash proceeding on my part--the more so, as I knew that he had a daughter and a son! I accordingly restrained my impetuous longing to hasten to his bedside:--I could not so easily subdue my grief!