But as it is! I was driven by my anxiety from temple to temple, and now to you and your demons.

I went from hour to hour as though in a burning fever.

If I left the house firmly resolved to bethink myself and, as I had bidden my sister, avoid danger and the gossip of the people, my feet still led me only where he desired to meet me.

Oh, and how well he understood how to flatter, to describe my beauty! Surely it was impossible not to believe in it and trust its power!" Here she hesitated, and while gazing silently into vacancy a sunny light flitted over her grave face, and, drawing a long breath, she began again: "I could curse those days of weakness and ecstasy which now--at least I hope so--are over.

Yet they were wonderfully beautiful, and never can I forget them!" Here she again bowed her head silently, but the old dame nodded encouragingly, saying eagerly; "Well, well! I understand all that, and I shall learn what more is coming, for whatever appears in the mirror of the wine is infallible--but it must become still more distinct.