my astonished friend from imprinting the kiss of an affectionate parent on her forehead. ‘Nay,—touch her not—disturb not the repose of death, said I,’ and endeavoured as quickly as possible to withdraw him from the frightful vault into the free air of the living world.
“We found the two ladies and the Duke in a state of painful anxiety. They had both urged on him questions as to the long conversation which he had held with the Count, nor were by any means satisfied with his answer, that he had promised not to speak on the subject. Now, they applied to us, but of course with as little success. On the following morning, however, their curiosity was in some measure gratified by the sacristan, who was sent for privately, and who, at least, told all that he knew. By this means their anxiety was only rendered the more vehement, to discover what could have given rise to that strange violation of the sepulchral sanctuary.
“For my own part, I reflected for the rest of the night on that inexplicable apparition which Marino had doubtless encountered in Paris. Ideas suggested themselves, which I would willingly
