‘that the time is not yet arrived to explain to you the farther prophecies of the apparition, as it has been called.’ I did not urge for any explanations—but could not help adding, ‘And yet, after a share of those prophecies, whatever they were, has been so frightfully fulfilled, can you speak of the apparition as if it were a delusion?’ ‘Alas! my dear child, answered my father, ‘you know not what a mysterious and dangerous companion every mortal has in his own imagination, and Seraphina will not be the last victim of this enemy!’ We were sitting, as I have said, in this room, just as we are now placed near the fire, which was nearly burned out, and I was about to answer what he had said, when I perceived that his looks were directed towards the door, with an expression of anxious and fearful attention. I could not discern any reason for this;—however, in the next minute, the door opened suddenly—though we heard no steps, nor did any one appear’”
Here Florentine paused, as if overcome by her recollections, and Amelia, with a loud scream, started up from her chair. Her friends inquired what had disturbed her,—but she seemed afraid
O 2
