George W. M. Reynolds

“ Nisida conveyed to him this answer: "The moment that I missed Flora ere now, I dispatched a domestic to her aunt's cottage; but she has not been there since Sunday last."
"Some treachery is at work here, Nisida," was the young count's response. "Flora has not willingly absented herself."
At this moment Francisco's page entered the apartment to announce that Dr. Duras was in the reception-room.
The young count made a sign to his sister to accompany him; and they proceeded to the elegant saloon where the physician was waiting. ”

“ Having saluted the count and Nisida with his usual urbanity, Dr. Duras addressed himself to the former, saying, "I have just learnt from your lordship's page that the favorite attendant on your sister has most unaccountably disappeared."
"And both Nisida and myself are at a loss what to conjecture, or how to act," replied Francisco.
"Florence is at this moment the scene of dreadful crimes," observed the physician. "Yesterday morning a young female was murdered by a near neighbor of mine——"
"I was astounded when I heard of the arrest of Signor Wagner on such a charge," interrupted the count. ”

“ Duras, "was to offer you a little friendly advice, which my long acquaintance with your family, my dear count, will prevent you from taking amiss."
"Speak, doctor—speak your thoughts!" cried Francisco, pressing the physician's hand gratefully.
"I would recommend you to be more cautious how you form an intimacy with strangers," continued Dr. Duras. "Rumor has a thousand tongues—and it is already reported in Florence that the alleged murderer was on familiar terms with the noble Count of Riverola and Lady Nisida." ”

“ Duras had slipped into her hand, and which she had concealed in her bosom; and she hastened to peruse it. The contents ran as follows:
"In accordance with your request, my noble-hearted and much-enduring friend, I have consulted eminent lawyers in respect to the will of the late Count of Riverola. The substance of their opinion is unanimously this: The estates are inalienably settled on yourself, should you recover the faculties of hearing and speaking at any time previous to your brother's attainment of the age of thirty ”