With a pitying smile he answered: "I know every thing that I will, and I see many things that I would willingly close my eyes upon.

I see your future, and my soul pities you, unhappy one; you are lost if you do not seize the hand extended to you.

You see not the abyss which opens before you, and you will fall bleeding and with broken limbs." "Mercy, mercy!" she groaned--"stretch out your hand and protect me." Wilhelmine sank as if crushed to the earth.

Cagliostro bent over her, and stroked her cold, pale face, breathing upon her the hot breath of his lips.

"I will pity you--I will protect you.