Highness's recall."

She replied in the same courteous air, inquired concerning her
acquaintance, and ordered lights,--took the letter he brought, and held
it, still sealed, in the taper's flame till it fell in ashes.

"Signor," she said, lifting the white atoms of dust and sifting them
through her fingers, "you may carry back these as my reply."

"Nay, I do not return," he answered. "And, Signorina, many things are
pardoned to one in--your condition. Recover your senses, and you will
find this so among others."

Then, as coolly as if nothing had happened, he spoke of the affairs
of the day, the tendency of measures, the feeling of the people, and
finally rose, kissed her hand, and departed. He was joined without by
the little Viennois, and the accursed couple sauntered down the street
together. I should have gone then,--the place was no longer safe for
me,--but something, the old spell, yet detained me.

Lenore did not speak, but threw open all the windows and doors that were
closed.

"Let us be purified of his presence, at least!" she cried, when this was
done.

"And you have ceased to fear this man whom you have dared so offend?" I
asked.

"He is not offended," said Lenore. "Austria is not Naples. He will not