"What prohibition?" asked Rhodophil, eagerly. Ferdinand was sensible that he had said too much, that he had excited a curiosity he knew not how to elude. After a little pause and consideration, he acquainted Rhodophil with the preceding circumstance, adding, 'that the voice seemed to be his father's." The other sunk back in his chair, pale and trembling, unable to utter a syllable, his eyes fixed on his brother with a wild inquiring look.—"I see," said Ferdinand, "you are extremely shocked; had not Claudina been present with me, I should hardly have ventured to relate to you so strange and improbable a circumstance, fearful lest you should have ridiculed my visionary ideas; but I am too well assured of the reality."
"Of what?" cried the Count, falteringly: "What did you hear else?"
"No more than the words I have repeated, words sufficient to harrow up my soul, to fill me with dreadful apprehensions, and terrifying images. What they mean, Heaven only knows, for I am not conscious
