George W. M. Reynolds

“ Can I not consult my own happiness in that most solemn and serious of the world's duties—marriage?" cried Francisco, with all the generous ardor of youth and his own noble disposition.
"Your lordship is free and independent in point of fact," said Flora, in a low, tender and yet impressive tone; "but your lordship has relations—friends."
"My relations will not thwart the wishes of him whom they love," answered Francisco; "and those who place obstacles in the way of my felicity cannot be denominated my friends." ”

“ Fernand did not offer to convey to her any idea of the nature of the conversation which occupied her brother and Flora Francatelli; neither did she manifest the least curiosity to be enlightened on that head.
The moment the young lovers had quitted the next room Wagner intimated the fact to Nisida; but at the same instant, just as he was about to bestow upon her a tender caress, a dreadful, an appalling reminiscence burst upon him with such overwhelming force that he fell back stupefied on the sofa. ”

“ Heaven knows that I do not the less deplore his loss—but wherefore art thou so pale, so trembling, Flora?"
"Meseems that a superstitious awe of evil omens has seized upon my soul," returned the maiden, in a tremulous tone. "Let us retire, my lord; the Lady Nisida may require my services elsewhere."
"Nisida!" repeated Francisco, as if the mention of his sister's name had suddenly awakened new ideas in his mind. ”