sunrise were crossing the Campagna toward Rome. As the Marquis was finishing his breakfast, he ordered his valet to tell the maid of the Marchioness that he wished to know when her mistress was awake. As he arose from table, he gave the valet a letter for the Countess Ondella, sealed with black, which he charged him to deliver as soon as possible, and to make no delay in mounting and taking the road to Rome. The valet bowed, took the letter, and in ten minutes was galloping out of the town.
A little before noon, the maid appeared to say that her mistress was awake. The Marquis bade her remain for a moment. He went toward his wife's room, but immediately returning, told the maid that her mistress preferred to dress alone, and wished her to go with the custode to visit her sick child among the mountains.
"Stop and ask Padre Luigi to come instantly to the palace," said he, "and return by evening, but not before, or you will take the fever in the sun."
The maid and the old custode instantly departed. The suggestions of the Marquis di Sangrido were the sternest commands to his dependents.
He sat quietly for some time, until he heard a tap at the gate, and, descending, he opened to the Padre Luigi. The priest muttered a blessing as he entered, and followed the Marquis up the staircase. They advanced together through the rooms until they reached the chamber of the Marchioness. The priest paused a moment while the Marquis passed in.
"Maddalena," said he to his wife, who was kneeling at her Prie-Dieu, "Padre Luigi is here to receive your confession."
"I have none to make," returned she in a whisper, as a deathly pallor settled upon her cheek.
The Marquis did not respond, but, opening the door, he beckoned to the priest, who entered, and the Marquis retired.
"Why are you here" demanded Maddalena, suddenly springing up. "Signora, to hear your confession," replied the priest quietly.
"Go!" she said with a startled horror in her eyes, and pointing toward the door.
