Like a dark cloud the remembrance of Cagliostro's mysterious appearance arose in her mind, overshadowing her every hour more and more, filling her soul with terror.

In vain did she seek refuge near her children, trying to cheer and forget herself in their innocent amusement--one moment running about the garden with them, then returning to the house to reexamine it.

Her thoughts would revert to Cagliostro, and the solemnities which were to take place at her house that night.

The thought terrified her that at nightfall she was obliged to send away all her servants, and not even be permitted to lock herself in the lonely, deserted house.

For the great magician had commanded her to let the doors of her house stand open; he would place sentinels at every entrance, and none but the elect would be allowed to enter.