"I would recommend you to be more cautious how you form an intimacy with strangers," continued Dr. Duras. "Rumor has a thousand tongues--and it is already reported in Florence that the alleged murderer was on familiar terms with the noble Count of Riverola and Lady Nisida." "The duke himself is liable to be deceived in respect to the real character of an individual," said Francisco proudly. "But his highness would not form hasty acquaintances," replied the physician. "After all, it is with the best possible feeling that I offer you my counsel--knowing your generous heart, and also how frequently generosity is imposed upon." "Pardon the impatience with which I answered you, my dear friend," exclaimed the young count. "No pardon is necessary," said the physician; "because you did not offend me. One word more and I must take my leave. Crimes are multiplying thickly in Florence, and Stephano's band becomes each day more and more daring; so that it is unsafe to walk alone in the city after dusk. Beware how you stir unattended, my dear Francisco, at unseasonable hours." "My habits are not of that nature," replied the count. "I, however, thank you cordially for your well-meant advice. But you appear to connect the disappearance of Flora Francatelli," he added, very seriously, "with the dreadful deed supposed to be committed by Signor Wagner!" "I merely conjecture that this Wagner is associated with that lawless horde who have become the terror of the republic," answered the physician; "and it is natural to suppose that these wretches are guilty of all the enormous crimes which have lately struck the city with alarm." Francisco turned aside to conceal the emotions which these remarks excited within him; for he began to apprehend that she whom he loved so fondly had met with foul play at the hands of the bravoes and banditti whom Stephano was known to command. Dr. Duras seized that opportunity to approach Nisida, who was standing at the window; and as he thrust into her hand a note, which was immediately concealed in her dress, he was struck with surprise and grief at the acute anguish that was depicted on her countenance. Large tears stood on her long, dark lashes, and her face was ashy pale. The physician made a sign of anxious inquiry; but Nisida, subduing her emotions with an almost superhuman effort, pressed his hand violently and hurried from the room. Dr. Duras shook his head mournfully, but also in a manner which showed that he was at a loss to comprehend that painful manifestation of feeling on the part of one whom he well knew to be endowed with almost miraculous powers of self-control. His meditations were interrupted by Francisco, who, addressing him abruptly, said, "In respect to the missing young lady, whose absence will be so acutely felt by my sister, the only course which I can at present pursue, is to communicate her mysterious disappearance to the captain of police."