Determined not to give way to the heavy depression creeping over her, Marie summoned her attendants, and strenuously sought to keep up an animated conversation as they worked.

Not expecting to see her husband till the ensuing morning, she retired to rest at the first partial lull of the storm, and slept calmly for many hours.

A morning of transcendent loveliness followed the awful horrors of the night.

The sun seemed higher in the heavens than usual, when Marie started from a profound sleep, with a vague sensation that something terrible had occurred; every pulse was throbbing, though, her heart felt stagnant within her.

For some minutes she could not frame a distinct thought, and then her husband's fond farewell flashed back; but what had that to do with gloom?
Ringing a little silver bell beside her, Manuella answered the summons, and Marie anxiously inquired for Don Ferdinand.