CHAPTER XI.

"But these are all lies! Men have died from time to time,

And worms have eaten them, but not for love."

Ir was near a fortnight after the gala at Baron Erdenheim's, ere Vallenstein began to recover from a fever, into which intense perturbation of mind had thrown him. When he was once more sensible, and capable of reflection, and when the cause of his illness returned distinctly to his recollection, he regretted the stupor in which his senses had been wrapped; still the very weakness of his frame prevented the revival of memory from bringing with it that acute sensation which might have endangered a relapse. For the first two days of the return of consciousness, he betrayed it only by signs; he pressed the hand of Desmond affectionately, and closed his eyes, as if to indicate his desire of remaining unmolested; an intimation

which was implicitly complied with. The first words he spoke convinced his attendants of the perfect restoration of his mental powers.

"Let all," said he," leave the apartment to Desmond and me. I have waited patiently for this moment; and believe me," added he, addressing his physician, "I am not anticipating my strengthyou may trust me."

The doctor felt his pulse, and acquiesced immediately in his patient's request.

"Dear Desmond," said he, when they were alone," you went, I remember, with the Emperor's despatches to my father you have no doubt delivered them. How were they received ?"

"With joy, my lord, which could not be dissembled, and his highness the Duke condescended to treat the bearer with much distinction. I have despatches for you when you are able to examine them, and brought a packet for you to deliver to the Emperor; but as it contained matter which, as your

noble father told me, might not brook delay, when on my return I found you to all appearance at the gates of death, I ventured so far to exceed my commission as to deposit them myself in the hands of his imperial majesty."

Right, right, Desmond.-How long

have I been ill?"

"Above a fortnight, my lord."

"And to what cause do you attribute my illness?" said he, looking fixedly in Desmond's face, which reddened as he replied,

"To the cause which overthrew the house of Priam-to the cause which lost Mark Antony his moiety of the worldto a woman!"?

"And is this opinion confined to your own breast, or do others partake it?"

My lord, I will not deceive you; no one holds any other."

A long pause ensued; at length→→ "Methinks," said Vallensteïn, "I have had many attendants :-tell me who have been about me."

"Father Felix, the confessor of the Baroness of Marchfeldt, who has rarely. quitted your bedside; I found him there on my return. My first impulse, on beholding him, was suspicion and resentment, but the mild piety of the old man disarmed me; and, in truth, he has watched over you like a guardian angel. Conrade, too, has been here from time to time."

"But who else?" said Vallenstein, with half fretful anxiety. "I am quite sure there was likewise another."

"There was another, my lord; and one who, in the powers of alleviation, excelled us all. No doubt it is the sister of the order of Mercy for whom you inquire."

"A nun of the order of Mercy!Was she not often near me?"

"She was most tenderly assiduous; yet other duties would oblige her to quit you sometimes for hours. When she was here, her skill and adroitness induced all to give way to her."

"Was she tall and fair?"

"She was tall, but of a brown complexion; her eyes were always veiled after their manner.-But what of that, my lord ?"

"I know not, Desmond; it is mere idle curiosity.-When comes she again?" "She looked on you yesterday as you slept; and, finding the favourable change which had taken place in you, she breathed a prayer over you, and retired, signifying that her ministry was ended." "Enough, dear Desmond, I would sleep; let no one speak near me."

He did not, however, resign himself to slumber, but to thoughts almost equally refreshing; the sister of Mercy still glided before his eyes.

"Ah!" thought he, "cruelty has been too long exercised; it is time that mercy should succeed. She was brown, they say but what of that? Can I be dull enough to suppose she would venture hither undisguised? No! her delicacy and dignity were carefully pro