shall not deceive my eyes nor delude my heart; you know my disposition, leave me in the death slumber in which your cabalistic art has locked me.”
Reginald, seeing the lady’s error, replied, with calmness:—“Heavenly maiden, be not angry. I am not the dreaded monster who keeps you here a captive. I am count Reginald, the Child of Wonder! Look! the spell that veiled your senses is broken!” The young lady glancing from beneath her veil, and seeing the alabaster tablet destroyed, was struck at the hazardous deed of the young stranger, regarded him affectionately, and was pleased with his noble bearing. She raised him from the ground, and presenting her hand, said in a kind tone, “If it be as you say, noble knight, accomplish the work you have begun, and release me from this direful abode, that I may again see the glorious sun, or, if it be night, the silvery stars.”
Reginald offered his arm to lead her through the splendid apartments along which he came. He opened the door, but outside all was Egyptian darkness, as in the beginning of the world before the electric ray had dispelled palpable darkness, and dispersed night by its benign influence. All the candles were extinguished, and the crystal chandeliers no longer
