productive of strange scenes, and I am in a very perplexing predicament; but I will repeat the circumstances to you, and you will be the more competent to advise me. Mean time, permit this man to retire into your kitchen; when his presence is necessary, I will call him.—"Go," said he to the valet, "keep your own secret, and wait my orders."
The man bowed, and withdrew.
"What!" cried the Baron, "do you permit him to be at liberty?"
"Keep your surprise for my story," answered he, "and then judge according to the circumstances that will appear before you."
He then entered upon all the events of the day; described Fatima's extraordinary assurance and menaces, and the astonishment that overcame him, and impeded him from making any efforts to stop or to pursue her.
"Her wickedness," added he, "is so complete, that I am confident there is nothing she would leave undone, no perjuries she would scruple at, to be revenged on those who interfere to the prejudice of her schemes. Where,
