'
In the stillness of their secluded abode, Aurelia and Veranilda went
to rest earlier than usual this evening, for they were to arise
before the dawn. This afternoon they had been visited by the black
monk, who announced the return of Sisinnius, and invited them to the
promised mass on the morrow; and such was their agitation in the
foretaste of this religious ecstasy, as well as in the hope of
having their future revealed to them, that neither slept much during
the night. Not long after the crowing of the first cock, when all
was silent and dark, Aurelia stepped, with a lamp in her hand, into
the maiden's chamber.
'Is it the hour?' whispered Veranilda, raising herself.
'Not yet. I have had a troubled dream. I dreamt that this night the
holy Sisinnius had fought with the demon, and had been worsted. O
Veranilda!'--the speaker's voice trembled--'what may this mean?'
'Dearest lady,' answered the other reassuringly, 'may it not be a
temptation of the demon himself; who at times is permitted to tempt
even the holiest?'
'And you, sweet? You have not dreamt?'
'Only of Basil,' answered Veranilda, with a smile that asked pardon
for her happiness.
Pages:
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163