“Not at all!” the Count replied, “almost all those accounts are founded on facts, though they have been embellished by fictitious episodes. The surprising feats of Hiermanfor, of which you have been informed, were however effected merely by means of natural magic.”
“For instance, the delivery of the old King from the castle of St. Lukar---how has it been effected?”
“It certainly has been performed by Hiermanfor’s accuteness, though not through him alone.”
“And the apparition of Antonio at the church-yard---”
“Has been effected by his supernatural power.”
“Count! by all that is dear to you, by Hiermanfor’s friendship, by our reconciliation, what is your real opinion of that apparition?”
“That it was affected by his supernatural power!”
The Duke rose and pressed the Count’s hand. “Have you any secret wish which I could satisfy? speak freely, and I will satisfy it, cost it what it will, only make a frank and candid confession.”
“I have confessed every thing already.”
“If you, perhaps, hesitate to discover your real sentiments here, you may fix some other place, and I pledge my honour, that no man living shall be made acquainted with your secret.”