Francisco, who was already dressed, was overwhelmed with grief at this announcement, and, in the first excess of excitement, conveyed to her his intention of seeking the young maiden throughout the city. He was hastening to quit the room, when Nisida held him back, and intimated to him that his anxiety in this respect would create suspicions injurious alike to his reputation and that of Flora Francatelli--the more so, as she was but a menial in the household. Francisco paused and reflected for a few moments; then, having tenderly embraced his sister, he hastily addressed her by the symbolic language in which they were accustomed to converse: "Pardon me, beloved Nisida, for having kept a secret from thee--the only one that my heart has ever so selfishly cherished." Nisida appeared to be profoundly astonished at this communication, and made an impatient sign for him to proceed. "You will not be surprised at my anxiety to seek after the missing girl," he continued, "when I intimate to you that I love her--and that, next to yourself, she is dearer to me than I can express." "Your passion can scarcely be an honorable one, Francisco," was the reproach conveyed by Nisida, while her countenance wore a corresponding expression. "I would sooner die than harbor an injurious thought in respect to that virtuous and beautiful creature!" responded the young count, his face flushed with the glow of generous emotions. "My happiness is intimately connected with this attachment, Nisida, and I feel convinced that you would rather forward my views than oppose them." "Yes, dear brother," was the reply which she conveyed to him: "your happiness is my only consideration." But, as she gave this assurance, an ill-subdued sigh escaped her breast, and she compressed her lips tightly to crush the emotions that were agitating her. A cloud evanescently appeared on the broad and marble forehead; the penciled brows contracted, and the eyes flashed brightly--oh! far more brightly than glanced the ray of the morning sun through the windows, upon the glossy surface of her luxuriant hair. A momentary spasm seemed to convulse the full and rounded form; and the small, elegantly shaped foot which peered from beneath her flowing robe, tapped the floor twice with involuntary movement. Mistress as she usually was of even her most intense feelings, and wonderfully habituated by circumstances to exercise the most complete command over her emotions, she was now for an instant vanquished by the gush of painful sentiments which crowded on her soul. Francisco did not, however, observe that transitory evidence of acute feeling on the part of his sister--a feeling which seemed to partake of the nature of remorse, as if she were conscience-stricken! For she loved her brother deeply--tenderly, but after the fashion of her own wild and wonderful disposition--a love that was not calculated always to prove friendly to his interests. Francisco paced the room in an agitated manner.