testament, which is, by this time, deposited safely in the Council Chamber with the Magistrates. However, since dinner time, I have had two hours of sound sleep, and feel myself so much recovered, that I could almost laugh at all my terrors of the morning.” “But, my dearest Florentine,” said Maria, “who in all the world would be led to fancies like these,—who would think of approaching death, or the nesessity of writing one’s last will, merely on account of a sleepless night, and a thunder storm?” “Nay, nay,” answered Florentine, “this would indeed be very absurd; and I by no means wish you to suppose that the tempest alone caused my distress of mind. My feelings were indeed wound up already to a point which rendered any farther excitement unnecessary and superfluous. But it is time for me to give over speaking in riddles, and to fulfil my promise. You must be prepared to hear details which are not a little extraordinary,—perhaps almost incredible. In the first place, however, let us order a blazing fire,—for if my stories alone are enough to freeze the blood, it is better that the cold damp air of this room should not add its influence.”
While the servants kindled the fire, and laid
