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I can expect no mercy, unless I confess my crime, especially as there are reasons to fear that there are still designs meditated against you. Bitter as the acknowledgment of guilt is, yet I am willing to bear it. I would suffer in this world�but I grow weak. Abhor me not, much injured lady, when I tell you, that I have been confederate with Count Durlack, in every scheme against your honour!"

"We started. �Is it possible,� exclaimed my mother, �that I live to discover in you the author of my woes?�

" �Most true. You know not what a serpent you have fostered. The count could never have executed his guilty plans but for my assistance. You recollect the circumstance of a man being found in your apartment. It was no other than the count. Bribed by his gold, I pointed out your chamber to him, and directed how he was to enter it. He failed in his attempt through the vigilance of Rinada. Yet he made up, from that very circumstance, a tale to persuade Monsieur Mecklenburg of your falsehood; who, applying to me, was confirmed in his jealousy. Alas, madame, after this, can you pardon me?�

" �I have suffered so much,� replied my mother, �that did I behold you in any other situation, I should certainly feel resentment; but who can harbour anger against such an object of compassion? Yes, madame, if it can ease your dying moments, believe that I forgive you.�

" �And is death then so near?� groaned the unhappy woman. �Woe

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is me! My evil deeds have gained me small recompense. The ungrateful count, forgetting my services, neglected me soon after the death of monsieur. He had preserved himself by my means, and accomplished the ruin of his foe. No more remaining for me to do, he left me to penury and want. My strength fails me; yet one thing more I would tell you, which is, that you should be upon your guard against his machinations. He one day said to me, speaking of you, madame, that he still loved you, but that he thought it best to suffer you to remain in tranquility at present, lest his reputation should suffer, and that people should say he persecuted the husband to possess himself of the wife.�

"The exertion of speaking so much had overpowered her, and she had nearly fainted. We soon after left her; and the next day were informed on enquiring that she was no more.

"In the meantime my dear mother�s health continued declining, and I had the inexpressible anguish of seeing her fade away daily. A deep and rapid consumption seized her, and the fatal hour soon arrived, which robbed me of my ever-to-be-lamented parent.

"I have scarce anything more to add. During her last illness, she more than ever spoke of you, and of your being settled in Bohemia; and enjoined me to acquaint you of her death, and to see you if possible before I renounced the world, and give you the sad history of our misfortunes. Your kind answer roused me from the stupor of grief in which I was plunged, and I hastened to throw myself into that protection which was so affectionately offered to me."

"And which shall ever be offered to you," said the baroness, with energy, "whilst I have life."

"No," replied Caroline, sorrowfully, "that cannot be, and I have made my final election. I cannot but feel convinced that I am an unacceptable visitor to the baron, and I shall, therefore, quit the castle. I can easily guess his motives for my departure, and they are so unworthy of him, that I can have no other reluctance in going than that which arises from grief at quitting you. Alithee tells me there is a convent some few miles from hence. To that I will retire, for I now begin to feel disgusted with the world. The shortness of the distance will not, I hope, preclude you, my dear aunt, from sometimes visiting me, which, in fact, is the reason why I have chosen that, rather than the former monastery I resided at. By embracing this life, I shall fulfil the wish of my departed mother."

"I cannot bear to have this subject spoken of, as if decided upon," said the baroness. "In a day or two the count will be gone, and then I shall talk seriously to my lord. But by the way, now you have mentioned the name of Alithee, it reminds me that I wanted to tell you that the baron has dismissed her. He was extremely angry that she had been sent for at all. I am the more vexed at it, because Namine, since the baron�s illness, has slept in an adjoining closet, and were I to send her away, in his present humour, he would, I suppose, be very angry with me, and say I consulted

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your accommodation more than his, as he ordered that she should be near to us, that he might send for Roland, if he should have another seizure."

"Say not another word to me, my dear madame," replied Caroline. "I trust I shall be under the protection of heaven, and I shall be very unhappy to have you incur the baron�s displeasure on my account."

Night at length approached, and the baroness took her leave, having first seen Namine convey Caroline some refreshments into her apartment, and when bidding adieu, assured her that her affection and solicitude for her were unbounded.

Caroline was now left alone, and she sat absorbed in deep and painful reflections, until the echoes of retiring footsteps convinced her that the inhabitants of the castle were all retired for the night. Her heart throbbed violently, and the most fearful sensations oppressed her spirits. This was the hour she expected Claudio, and had promised to place a lamp in her window, to direct his steps. Alas! had not her judgment misled her, when she made him this promise?�should she not err against propriety, by admitting him, now Alithee was gone? Yet she had raised his hopes�she had been prompted to it by events which seemed miraculous. Should she now depart from her word, he might wander about the castle until he was discovered, and his life would inevitably be sacrificed.�Besides, this was the only moment for her to deposit the secret which had been divulged to her in so extraordinary a manner; for, it was her fixed resolution to remove to the convent on the following day, after which no means would be left her to deliver the manuscript; and the important secret delegated to her to disclose, would be buried for ever.

Perplexed�hesitating�and unhappy, she at length arose, and placed the lamp in the window. A very few minutes succeeded before she heard a gentle tap. She opened the casement, and beheld two figures below. She drew back. "It is me," said, Claudio, in a low voice, accompanied by Maurice. "We can easily ascend by means of this pillar, and its cornice."

He sprang up, and in an instant was before her�Maurice followed.

Caroline felt considerably relieved by the sight of a third person; for at this moment, she had bitterly regretted the departure of Alithee. Before she could speak, Claudio threw himself at her feet.

"It is time," said he, "for the disguise I have assumed in my character, to be thrown off, and that you, the most adorable of your sex, should unequivocally learn what I am, and why I have so zealously expressed a wish to remain here, unknown to the rest of the family, which has, perhaps, excited suspicions injurious to me."

"Rise, signor," replied Caroline. "Had such doubts been harboured by me, I should not have permitted this interview."

"True, madame. Yet, before I arise, let me pour forth the effusions of a grateful heart, and swear, that no time shall erase your goodness from my memory, and that my life shall henceforth be devoted to your service."

He arose, and continued thus:�"I am not an Italian, as I professed;

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my name, it is true, is Claudio, but the surname attached to it is Vileroy. Here stands the respectable man who has been to me foster-father,�friend�everything which can endear one human creature to another. Under his protection, I have hitherto resided in France; for the Vileroy, whose history you have given me room to hope you have some knowledge of, is my brother. A mystery hangs over our birth. Our kind friend, Maurice, who has protected us from our infancy, only knows that we are sprung from an ancient and noble family. Convinced of this, he would not suffer us to degrade ourselves by embracing any other profession than that of arms. My brother�s ardour for war exceeded mine, and he had scarcely attained the age of manhood, when he offered his services to the Emperor, France being then at peace. He soon distinguished himself, and was promoted. I received frequent letters from him, for never were two brothers more firmly attached to each other than we were. In one of his letters he inclosed the miniature picture of an exquisitely beautiful female, who, he informed me, had inspired him with the most ardent passion, and that vows of everlasting constancy had been exchanged between them. Sometime after this, I had another letter from him, written in the utmost distraction of mind, wherein he informed me, that his betrothed mistress had been forced into a marriage with another during his absence, by the most unjustifiable measures. That she was immured in a castle in Bohemia, by her jealous husband, and treated with the utmost unkindness; and that he was resolved to see her, and extricate her, if possible, from the tyranny of her husband. He said, he wrote on the eve of his departure, and that I should hear from him again as soon as he had accomplished the object he had in view."

Caroline gave an involuntary sigh. Claudio paused, and looked anxiously at her, but as she continued silent, and in an attitude of listening, he proceeded. "Since this period I have heard no more from him. Months, nay, years have rolled away, and my excellent friend and myself have lingered under the most agonizing suspense. Time, which generally diminishes such sufferings, increased ours, and we resolved to leave France, and commence a search after our beloved Alphonso. We first sought him in his regiment, and found his brother officers in consternation at his quitting the army so mysteriously, after having evinced such uncommon gallantry and bravery, as had endeared him to all his fellow soldiers. We then resolved proceeding to Bohemia, and traverse the whole kingdom in every direction, while, to facilitate our discovery, and avoid suspicion, we called ourselves Italians. The accident which befel me in this castle, had, perhaps, but for your charitable exertions, terminated my life. Recovered by them, I felt a reluctance sit at my heart, when I thought of taking my departure; but you will judge of my emotions, indeed, you behold them in part, when Maurice informed me he had seen the sword of Alphonso, a most valuable one, which had been presented to him by his commander, in the possession of Roland. Having assumed the character of my domestic,

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the more effectually to aid our design, he, consequently, was admitted into the apartments of the servants, and there beheld this proof of my brother�s having been within these walls a prisoner, as nothing but superior force, could have compelled him to part with his sword. The resemblance between my miniature, and the portrait of a lady which I had seen in the saloon, and the recollection that this same Roland had started at the sight of me, when he first beheld me, all confirmed me in the belief that this man knew the destiny of my unhappy brother. Maurice questioned him about the sword with caution; but he was surly, and uncommunicative. I, therefore, resolved rather to lose my life, than quit the castle, before my doubts were either confirmed or dismissed. You, lady, appeared to me, like benevolence personified; I bowed in more than admiration of you, and ventured to hint at the secret I wished to deposit in your gentle bosom. My hopes, my expectations, my wishes, all now rest upon you. Oh! say, what is your knowledge of my brother? what the circumstance you alluded to, in which you wished to engage my assistance? It is my determination to compel the baron to give me information whether my beloved brother was ever an inmate of these walls; but I must first learn, how I can devote myself to your service, and the rescue of the unhappy prisoner, for whom you feel so great an interest."

All the difficulties of her situation instantly flashed over the mind of Caroline; but this was a moment for decision, as well as trial.

"The little history you have given me," said she, "afflicts and interests me; and happy should I be if I could assuage your grief for the loss of your brother. You have told me your situation,�I must now relate mine. I am an orphan,�the lady you have seen here is my aunt, and my only surviving relation. I am, consequently, under the protection of the baron, and you will therefore be aware that I cannot listen to any plan that may affect his life. Give me but your solemn word of honour that you will not attempt that, and I will be as explicit with you as circumstances will admit of."

"I will accord to everything you require," replied Claudio, "and by the word of a soldier, swear to you, that I will avoid, to the utmost of my power, the shedding of any person�s blood allied to you."

"The unexpected departure of an attendant, who was placed about me," said Caroline, "prevents me shewing to you the manuscript I mentioned to-night, for it is deposited in a secret drawer in an apartment which I should not like to visit without her, at this late hour. The contents, however, I will recapitulate to you. It was penned by the lady, whose portrait so much resembles your miniature; and, I am pained to add, that your brother�s indiscretion in pursuing her to this castle, produced the most disastrous fate to both."

Tears stole silently down the cheeks of the respectable Maurice; and the emotion of Claudio, was too violent to be subdued.

Caroline proceeded:�

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"To-morrow morning, I hope to be able to produce this manuscript to you, but in the meantime, I must acquaint you with another circumstance which it contains, of a very interesting nature. From this, and the adjoining apartment, there is access, by means of a flight of stairs, to a turret in which the baroness in an ineffectual attempt she made to escape from the castle, discovered a trap-door which led to some subterraneous vaults underneath the castle. Under a low arched way, in a long passage, she found a trap-door which opened into a prison, where a most venerable old man was confined. He solemnly exhorted her to make his sufferings known and procure his release; and it was with no less view to this, than the vindication of her own character, that she left the writing behind her. The same pathetic adjuration is conveyed by her, to the person who shall find the manuscript; and it fell into my hands by such extraordinary means, that I consider it almost as a duty delegated to me by Providence, to obtain the release of this unhappy sufferer, if he be still alive."

Claudio interrupted her, and with the energy of an amiable heart, and a courageous spirit, protested he was ready to risk his life in procuring the freedom of the miserable captive; Maurice, with equal avidity, offered his assistance, and they entered into a consultation on the measures which were to be pursued. Caroline proposed that they should take possession of the turret for that night, from whence they could descend into the subterraneous passage, and if they could discover the trap-door, ascertain whether the unfortunate prisoner was yet in existence. She informed them she had taken the precaution to be able to supply them with a lamp. And the refreshments which had been sent into her apartment for her supper, by the kind care of her aunt, remained in the anti-room yet untouched, as she had reserved them for their evening�s repast. She besought them not to attempt entering her apartment on the following morning, lest her aunt or any attendant should be there, assuring them she would visit them in the turret the first moment she could do it with safety. The enamoured Claudio hung on every accent she uttered, and promised strict obedience to all her injunctions. His rapture at the idea of serving, and being near her, would have been unbounded, had not the uncertain fate of his beloved Alphonso checked his joy and dimmed that eye with a tear, which would otherwise have sparkled with delight. The night was now so far advanced, that Caroline became anxious for their departure, for fear of a discovery, and having loaded Maurice with whatever she thought necessary, she opened the panel and shewed them the ascent to the turret.

Returning to her chamber, she trimmed her lamp, and determining not to undress, as she was convinced she could not sleep, she threw herself upon her bed.

The events of the morrow rose in fearful expectation to her view. Perhaps the baron might throw some impediment in the way of her departure:�perhaps he might take offence at her for secluding herself in her chamber to avoid his guest, to whom he was evidently so greatly attached;

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but she resolved that no force on his part should compel her to associate with the destroyer of her parents. She scarcely could believe that the count knew of her being at the castle, as even he, she supposed, could not dare think of seeing her again. Yet amidst every consideration of herself, she was truly thankful, that Providence had furnished her with the means of disclosing the secret of the unhappy captive, before she quitted the castle. She had forborne abruptly to acquaint Claudio with his brother�s death; but she trusted the manner in which she had prepared him and the good Maurice to expect it, would make the shock less heavy. In such sad reflections as these, Caroline passed the remainder of the night, and when morning at length arrived, she re-dressed herself with care, lest her aunt should suspect she had not been in bed, and feel additional uneasiness on her account. It occurred to her that she had performed but half of her duty, in attempting to rescue the captive baron. The writer of the manuscript had solemnly besought the person who should see it, to publish her innocence; and this could only be accomplished by producing her own simple and affective narrative. She had avoided shewing it to Claudio the night before on his own account; but justice to the departed baroness, demanded that she should now place it in his hands. After she had read it to Alithee, she had again deposited it in a private drawer, in the adjoining chamber, fearing she had no place sufficiently secure to conceal it in her own chamber. She, therefore, resolved immediately to secure it, lest Namine should enter with her breakfast. Unclosing the panel in her own apartment, she stepped across the stairs, and was just on the point of entering the adjoining room, when she plainly distinguished footsteps, and the sound of voices. She listened in fearful attention, and it appeared to her that some persons were employed in cleaning the apartment. Surprised at this, she silently retraced her footsteps, rejoiced that she had not entered the apartment so precipitately as to have discovered herself. Namine soon after brought in her breakfast, and Caroline soon dismissed her, under the pretence that she knew how much she must be wanted by the baroness, whilst such a guest remained in the castle as the count. The greatest part of the repast she conveyed to the turret, and gently tapping at the door, gave it into the hands of Maurice, and conveyed to him by motions, that she must neither speak, or stay. She had scarcely swallowed some of the small portion of what remained of the breakfast, before the baroness entered, and seating herself beside her, most anxiously enquired after her health, and the night she had passed. At length she said, "We have had a great bustle this morning, and on an occasion so extraordinary, that I know not how to account for it."

Caroline expressed her curiosity.

"The count," continued baroness, "has now slept here these two nights, and has occupied our best apartment, which is elegant and comfortable. This morning one is preparing for him by the baron�s commands, which has never been opened since my residence in the castle. Doubtless he will be

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offended at the change, of which I cannot convince my lord. The room must be damp, for the furniture is falling to pieces. In short, it is in every respect unfit for a person of his rank. But what chiefly pains me is, that it forebodes his stay in the castle for some time, which on your account, makes me truly unhappy. I stepped in to look at it as I came to you, and to my great surprise, observed large stains of blood on the floor. I pointed this out to Roland, and told him that I thought such an apartment ill apportioned to the baron�s guest. But the reply was that it was his lord�s commands to have it prepared immediately. Nay, what is more strange, Namine says the baron broke open the doors by day break, so impatient was he to inspect the alterations he intends."

"And what is the furniture of this apartment?" asked Caroline, affecting as much composure as she could assume.

"The head-cloth and teaster are worked with the arms of the Zindorf family."

"One question more, my dear aunt. In what part of the castle is this apartment situated?"

"The door is close to that of your anti-chamber, and opens immediately into the corridor."

"Enough, madame, I am acquainted with the chamber of which you speak. It is contiguous to this, and such a circumstance cannot fail of exciting my utmost alarm. It only, however, strengthens my resolution of leaving the castle this very day."

"You suspect then, my dear niece, that some designs are formed against you."

"Assuredly I do; can I ever enough dread the count, since I know of what he is capable?"

"Oh, heavens! I imbibe all your fears; what can be done?"

"Nothing, my kind aunt, but that of giving your concurrence to my quitting the castle this day. I will now go to the baron, and acquaint him of my resolution, and request that he will permit Francisco to drive me to the neighbouring convent."

After some other arrangements, they quitted the room together in pursuit of the baron, who not chusing to attend their summons immediately, Caroline returned to her apartment to pack up a few things she had to take with her, but scarcely had she began her task before the baron entered.

"What, ma�amselle, are your commands for me?" asked he.

"I had a request, my lord, to make to you," replied she, "which was that you would either allow Francisco to drive me to the convent which is not far distant, or allow him to order me a vehicle for that purpose from the nearest town, as I am now ready to depart."

"To depart, my fair cousin!" said the baron, affecting surprise.

"Yes, sir; I am already prepared, and feel anxious to set out before the day shall be too far advanced."

"Why are you so desirous to leave us? Is our society already become