but I noticed with breathless horror that the steps of the horse which he rode, as well as those of another which he led by the bridle, gave forth no more sound than if they were planted in air——'
"Wilhelm suddenly paused in his narrative, as a beautiful White Fawn suddenly sprang from behind a suspended wolf skin, and alighted directly in front of him. Daylight no longer lent its rays to illumine the apartment, and as the animal's eyes were visible through the misty beams of the lamp, they seemed to glare and blaze like coals of vivid fire.
"'Heaven preserve me!' ejaculated the young hunter, crossing himself.
"'It is my pet, Leo; do not fear him,' said Marcella in low tones.
"'Your father mounted the unoccupied saddle,' continued Wilhelm, going on with his adventure; 'and together they disappeared between the pines; noiselessly as the falling of a feather. At short intervals I heard the sound of the bugle growing fainter and fainter, until it died away in the windings of the mountains. I called my dog and hastened home, without daring to look behind, lest I should behold the mysterious riders following on my track.'
"A short silence succeeded, during which Marcella gently wept, and caressed the fawn. At length she spoke:
"'Dear Wilhelm, I now see the reason why you have ever avoided my father, and come here only while he is away. Perhaps it is better that you should continue to do so, for he is very irritable, and your meeting might be attended with fearful results. Leave
me, Wilhelm; I expect him every moment; it is already past his usual time of return.'
"'I must speak with your father to night, dearest,' said the hunter, encircling her waist with his arm.
"'God forbid!' she exclaimed, looking up to him with great alarm.