His look was one of triumph. Father Geriot struck me with his fist upon my head, and felled me to the floor. When I once more came back to life, poor Blanco had stood the ordeal of fire, and was being tortured by water poured drop by drop into his throat. Lift your hand,' cried Geriot, and say, was it Trueman or his wife?' but Blanco made no sign. Around my dying brother were crouched these demons. They watched for life to return, and used every restorative; some rubbing his temples, some his hands; and, as they were thus occupied, I became conscious of the angelic presence of Blanco, who, with his angel, stood near this horrid group. With joy unspeakable, I saw him free. He said to me, 'Sister! I wait for you!'

"When the inquisitors reluctantly acknowledged that the last agony had been inflicted, and that no art of theirs could recall the spirit of Blanco, they then turned their attention towards me; but the angel stood beside the inquisitor-general. Geriot claimed that I should be broken on the wheel, after that subjected to the torture of the pulley, then to the fire; but there was a strange terror upon the inquisitor, he looked at me with mingled emotions of hatred and alarm, while I stood in joyful triumph before him. Rising from his seat, and shaking his fist at me, he cried out, Embrace the mother of God!' pointing to a figure of the Blessed Virgin standing upon a platform elevated by steps. Not knowing what would follow, yet anticipating agony, I placed my arms around the blessed Mary, whose face was full of love and tenderness, when I heard a rattling of wheels, and in an instant I was clasped in arms of iron to the figure, and sharp knives pierced my vitals. With one cry of agony, I, too, was free. Now I am come to save you. Upon my person, and upon

DEATH OF ANGELIQUE.

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Blanco's, you will find your precious gifts. Come and get them, lest they betray your husbands and yourselves to the torture. Fear nothing, but follow me." And Gertrude followed the spirit of Angelique down a spiral staircase to the foundation of the building. "Here," said Angelique, "is a secret spring." And the spring was touched by Angelique, and the door opened. It was the hall of torture, and there lay the broken body of Blanco, and at the foot of a lovely-faced figure of the Madonna the body of Angelique, in her virgin robes of silver tissue, all stained with blood. After gazing around, Angelique said: "My testament is hid in my bosom; Blanco's is inside his vest. Now I leave you; we meet in heaven!" and, embracing Gertrude, the vision ceased and Gertrude awoke. A taper was burning on a table; waking Annie, she arose and dressed herself. Annie rose up out of a sound sleep, and, without any questioning of what she was called to do, did as she was bid. When they were dressed, Gertrude picked up the wick and trimmed the lamp, before she opened the door which revealed the spiral stone staircase. The chill damp air fully woke up Annie, and she asked, "What does all this mean?" Gertrude, her eyes lambent with the energy with which she was possessed, put her finger to her lips. When the door to the vaulted chamber was reached, Gertrude pressed the spring, and the door opened. "Fear nothing! we come here to save the lives of our husbands," whispered Gertrude; and, to the terror of Annie, she saw lying before the virgin, in the beauty of death, a smile of joy upon her face, the body of Angelique, her costly vestments dyed red in her own blood. Gertrude never stopped to look she had seen this before; putting her hand into the bosom, she found the Deodati Testament. Then she

sought for the copy hid inside the vest of poor Blanco, and found it. This done, they returned to Angelique, and, kneeling over her, and having kissed her dead body, hastened back, careful to close the door. On reaching their room, they sat down in one of the windows to watch the coming day. The twittering of birds waking to joy, light, life, and freedom, was heard. Distant bells struck the hour, and the day drew on apace. They watched the dawn in silence. Annie attempted to make inquiries of Gertrude how she knew where Blanco and his sister lay, but Gertrude put her finger upon her lips. As they thus sat within the embrasure of the window, the door of the chamber opened and a nun came in stealthily, and when she saw the mattress vacant she gazed around with surprise. Our ladies came forward and bade her good-morning; and when she remarked upon their early rising, they told her they had risen for matins. "May I ask you to tell us how we came to be here?" asked Gertrude.

"I have no authority to make any replies," said the nun. "Are we to go with you to the chapel?" asked Annie. "You will remain here till you are called for," replied the "Do you need anything?"

nun.

"We need all the appliances of the toilet-table of a lady," replied Gertrude.

"These are not to be had here," said the nun. "I will bring you some water and towels, and a comb. These must meet your demands for this time."

The nun left them, and brought a large bowl, pitcher of water, a comb, and towels. "It is very strange! Where could they be?" And, with these inquiries unsolved, they did the best they could to make their toilet for such society as might await them. And, this done, they returned to the window.

THE CARDINAL AND HIS SECRETARY.

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CHAPTER XXXV.

THE PRINCE CARDINAL HEARS OUR LADIES ARE SENT TO THE INQUISITION.

WHEN Oliver and Frank called for the "nieces of the church militant," to take them to the Church of St. Croce, they found in the saloon a party of friends awaiting the coming of these ladies. Impatient of delay, these all left, and our gentlemen had these spacious rooms, filled with objects of taste and art, all to themselves. In examining these an hour passed before the nieces entered, splendidly attired. They expressed regrets for detaining them so long. Losing no more time, they entered their carriage, and drove to Santa Croce; but it was too late. Indeed, the multitudes were coming out, with the expression of terror in all faces which attracted their attention; but, as they could do no better, they ordered Alandresso to drive to the cardinal's villa, where they and their wives were to dine that evening.

The sun was sinking as they reached the cardinal's. The house was lighted up for a party, and when the servants came to receive them, they replied to their inquiries that his Eminence had not yet come out of the city.

They walked in the gardens, and found themselves very happily circumstanced for an hour, when they heard the wheels of carriages, and the Prince Cardinal and his brother alighted from the same carriage, for the bishop's was empty.

Pray, where are our wives, your Eminence?" asked Oliver. "Are they not here? I had supposed they would have been

here two hours since. I was told they had left Santa Croce, with my secretary, two hours ago."

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May I ask who told you so?" asked Frank.

"It was Father Geriot; who also told me of the refusal of the nun Angelique to take the veil, and delivered me a message which took me to the Vatican. With all despatch I came with Agostino here, hoping to find you all awaiting our coming."

The steward announced dinner as served, and the company walked into the saloon; and, though it was a delicious repast in all its appointments, the marchese and countess alone really enjoyed it. The cardinal ordered his secretary to be sent to him instantly on his arrival. Frank and Oliver, who sat near, heard the order given, as, indeed, it was designed they should. The dinner was despatched and dismissed with little ceremony, when the cardinal rose and left the table, and, walking away alone, left the marchese and countess and Agostino to entertain our pilgrims, who were already wondering what had become of their wives. It was evident his Eminence was disturbed. At length the noise of wheels was heard; the cardinal and Oliver and Frank hastened to the entrance of the grounds to meet the coming carriage. The driver reined up his horses, and there the secretary sat solitary and alone. The cardinal said: "Rodrigo, alone!" The secretary bowed, with a glance at the gentlemen, and remained silent.

"Alight, sir, and follow me!" said the cardinal, walking from the carriage, and leaving Oliver and Frank in no very pleasant state of inquietude.

"Where are the ladies?" asked the cardinal.

"In the Inquisition, your Eminence."