rative.’ ‘You need have no hesitation on that score,’ said he with a smile; ‘and as to my wonder how you should have chanced to encounter spectral and supernatural adventures in abundance, while not one ever fell in my way, I shall for the present say nothing.’ It did not escape me here that the Duke gave him an approving nod, of which I took no notice, but answered the Count, ‘It is perhaps not every one who has eyes to see what passes before him!’—‘That proposition is self-evident,—not every one certainly,’ answered he. ‘And yet,’ said I in a whisper, ‘that body which had so long remained unchanged in the grave was by no means an ordinary spectacle.’ He seemed perplexed; but I added, ‘and yet this, doubtless, admitted of explanation on natural principles. It would be absurd to refuse you the benefit of that argument.’—‘But we are wandering from the subject,’ said the Countess in a dissatisfied tone; and without farther delay I began my story. ‘The scene of the adventure I mean to describe was Venice.’ ‘Then,’ interposed the Duke mistrustfully, ‘I probably should know somewhat of the matter.’ Perhaps,’ answered I; ‘and yet, the circum-
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