The Devil's Elixir

rre, not far from the river. Doubtless, the year is never so delightful and interesting as when all things are yet undeveloped, and in their prime; when the gardener is yet going about, w

ight may fall into the most secret recesses, where the loves of a former year have been celebrated and are gone by, yet

he teeming earth, and every bright green leaf that breaks forth along the southern sl

ams into my chamber. Sweet odours of flowers streamed through the open window, fo

lf, in the first place, to the Prince's park. There the trees and shrubs, rustling with their new-born green leaves, greeted the weakly convalescent. It seemed as if I had just awoke from a

a walk, shaded by dark platanus trees, which give out their green leaves very early in the year; and gradually I became lost in reverie. Methought I was once more in the garden of the Capuc

e guilty delusions into which I had been led by the Arch-fiend. I stepped forward, therefore, with my clasped hands lifted up, and with my eyes fixed upon the cross. Methought I

: yet I never lost sight of the cross, but collecting my whole strength, rose again, and tottered on. However, I could only reach a rustic moss-seat, in f

ht steps on the walk. Instinctively, I knew whom I was to expect-Aurelia! Scarcely had I formed the thou

g light of love, which was, perhaps, foreign to the saint-like character of Aurelia. This expression, however, reminded me at once of that mysterious visitant of the confession

ards sunk into my arms. I scarcely know how these moments passed. Probably our interview was short, for I remember only these words-"All my best hopes are now fulfilled-all the mysterious fears that have haunted me are at an end!-But see! we are observed." She quickly disengaged herself from my embrace, an

it seemed as if, for the first time, I enjoyed the mysterious raptures of which even this our terrestrial existence is susceptible. For the first time, I knew the happiness of mutual love! I stood upon t

ted for thee by the fairy hands of Hope-then would'st thou be able to sympathize with the unhappy monk, who, in his solitary prison, moaning over the remembrance of his early visions, lay the victim of despair. Yet once more I beg of you to recall that happy time-but now let there be no thought nor apprehension of disappointment-and I need not then attempt to describe to thee

inexplicable. The Prince had received me with the utmost kindness as a valued friend, whom he had believed lost, and by whose unexpected return he had been greatly rejoiced.

es; but on these occasions her saint-like purity, mildness, and timidity of character, which I could not but observe, inspired me with an involuntary awe a

ess to a neighbouring summer-house in the forest. At last I could no

red nightingales. The approach to the Princess's country-house was through a very long avenue of magnificent pine-trees, whose massy down-hanging branches swept the ground, waving in the balmy evening breeze with a mysterious murmur; and,

rom which the warm breath of flowers and exotic plants greeted me with their almost too-powerful fragrance. Remembrance was busy with her dim illusions. "Is not this," said I, "the identical chamber of Aurelia at the Baron's castle

h as to alarm her, I called out, "Aurelia-Aurelia!" "Is it possible," said she, softly-"Leonard, my beloved, how came you hither?" She arose, and in the next moment was folded in my arms. Her luxuriant hair hung dishevelled over my head and shoulder. I felt her heart beat, and saw her eyes gleam with unwonted fire; but at that moment t

onard," said she, "I am indeed not a little surprised to find you here-What means this intrusion?" By a violent effort, combating my distraction, I stammered out some incoherent apologies, by which I perceived,

o me as if some person ran all the way very near me, keeping time with my steps, and as if I heard a stammering voice, which pronounced

un along by my side, and to speak with me at intervals, till at last it seemed to me as if I must actually enter into conversation, and relate to him the recent adventures of my life. Accordingly, I confessed that I had just now been very foo

as he had before done, and stuttered out-"But

which thou hast preserved for me, is still sharp and bright!"-"He-he-he!-He-he-he!-Strike him well, then-strike him well!" Such were the accents of my infernal companion, amid the dark rushing of the pine-tree woods; nor did they end there

when I received a summons to attend the Prince. I betook mysel

real friendship. I should be sorry to lose you, and would rejoice in contributing to your happiness. Besides, it is our duty to atone to you as much as possible, for a

re," an

ok you for a Capuchin."-(He laughed heartily.)-"Now, if you are a Capuchin, you are certainly the politest and best

what wicked fatality I am always to

aster, however, if you were bound by any clerical vows. But to the point-Would you n

ould such a thought as that of reveng

ve Aurelia?" s

by an expressive gesture,

believed the mild Aurelia to be capable. The Princess has told me all, and I know that she lives only for you. Would you believe, that after your imprisonment, Aurelia gave herself up to a mood of utter despondency, and became at las

be agreeable to you. You shall marry Aurelia, and in a few days we shall solemnize the betrothment. I myself will act in