Chapter XXI of Zoflaya This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Linda Marie Nielsen, Vancouver, B.C. Zoflaya by Charlotte Dacker. With unshrinking soul and eye abashed by the consciousness of guilt, Victoria joined at supper the innocent family circle. The high blush of animation flushed her dark cheek, with more than usual fire, her eyes sparkled, but it was with a fiend-like exultation, and her nerves seemed new strung for the execution of her dreadful purpose. Berenza rejoiced at her appearance, and little surmising the cause approached in the fullness of his heart to embrace her. She returned it impatiently, and pushing him from her, surveyed him with a kind of half-smile, from head to foot. The unconscious Berenza mistook it for the embrace of eager love. But it was not so. Victoria hastily embraced him, from the cruel reflection that he would not long have the power of soliciting these marks of an affection that she felt not, nor had the hated task of granting them in pushing him from her. But she yielded to an overpowering impulse of the hatred which possessed her bosom while gazing on him with a smile. She consoled herself with the thought how soon he would cease to be. As supper she could not forbear, sometimes casting her ardent eyes upon Henrique, anticipating future delight, while his were fixed as usual upon the blooming fairy, Villia. But her, Victoria now regarded only with contempt, from the suggestion that she was an atom to easily bed, to cause a moment's painful thought. Yet she failed not to pay attention to all, and the vivacity of her manner, the brilliance of her wit, attracted, as it was want to do, the pleased admiration of all towards her. Come, my life! cried the enraptured Berenza, raising the glass to his lips. Here's to thy happiness, and the success of thy every wish. Drink all of you the same, he added, looking round the table. Everyone obeyed, and drank to the happiness of her, who, in that moment, meditated their destruction. And now, she cried playfully, it is my turn, and taking two goblets off the table, she flew to a recess at the end of the saloon, where wines and ices set out upon a small marble table. El, them to the brim with vino crete, and infusing into the glass that had been hers, is small quantity of the poison, which instantly incorporated itself with the wine, and disappeared. She returned to the supper table with well-dissembled, innocent supportiveness, and exclaimed, Fill your glasses all round, all obeyed again, and held their glasses in their hands. Here, Berenza, is my glass, she cried, Drink from it as I will drink from yours, to the speedy fulfillment of our wishes. The fatal toast was drunk, and, to the speedy fulfillment of our wishes, echoed round the table, while the devoted rerun, whose only wish was the gratification of Victoria, drank eagerly to promote it, the first draught of death. And, looking tenderly upon her, exclaimed, To the speedy fulfillment of thy wishes, thus emphatically calling on his own destruction. Victoria, smiling, fixed her eyes upon him. In a few moments she imagined he turned pale. He passed his hand hastily across his eyes, as if sensible of a slight sudden pain in his head. She became apprehensive. She had given him more than was prudent for a first dose, and that she would be betrayed. Presently, however her fear subsided, the color returned to the cheeks of Berenza, and the pain passed away. Uninterrupted gaiety then reigned to the end of supper, until the lateness of the hour warned them separate. From this eventful period, Victoria omitted no opportunity of administering insidious death to the unsuspicious Berenza. Sometimes with the point of a small fruit-knife, which she retained about her for the purpose, she introduced the baleful poison within the fruit, while offering it to him on the point of her knife, thus remorselessly rendering him to himself the dealer of his own death. After once or twice, the poison no longer took an immediately perceptible effect upon him. The stomach becoming habituated no longer invents resistless loathing as it received the gradual destruction, which, blending its baleful influence with its other juices, was conveyed into the system at the expiration of eight or ten days. A change, scarcely marked by others, but fully perceived by Victoria, became apparent in the hapless Berenza. The blood of his cheeks, which, on first taking the poison, vanished back for a few moments, seemed, as by repeated checks, to have become more languid in its circulation, and tinged them no longer, as formerly with the vermilion hue of health. A kind of tremendousness began to possess his nerves, and a dry but faint cough gave frequent symptoms that the mischief had begun to work. Satisfied with these appearances, on the evening of the tenth day for the eagerness of Victoria, now that she had commenced her dreadful plan, had not suffered an atom of the poison to remain beyond, she sought, as previously agreed, Zaflaya in the appointed spot. When she arrived, she perceived him not. Already her dark mind became suspicious of the delay. Zaflaya, Zaflaya, she cried, in an under voice, Where art thou? Here, replied a voice, like the sweet murmuring sound of an Aeolian harp, swept by the breath of the Zephyr, and turning, she beheld at her side the towering figure of the Moor. She had not seen, neither had she heard his approach. And, ashamed of the doubts she had felt, and the impatience she had invinced, she could not, as his commanding eyes looked down upon her, for the moment speak. Well, beautiful Victoria, he said, Behold me here, and suffer me now, to ask, Does hope begin to cheer your long-benighted bosom? Oh! answered Victoria, I entertain hope, the fond hope, Zaflaya, that I shall have good cause to mark the day, when, irresistibly impelled by the kind of sympathy of thy manner, I confided to thee the cause of my sorrows. And I too, Senora, shall have proud cause to mark that day, for it gave to the unworthy slave, Zaflaya, the most beautiful and enterprising of her sex. It gave thee my friendship, indeed Zaflaya, said Victoria, slightly surprised. It gave thee my gratitude, not myself, for I am irrevocably, as thou knowest, devoted to another. Be not offended, beautiful Victoria, nor let us waste the precious moments in defining terms, for the senior Enriquez, to whom I am obedient, for your sweet sake alone, requires my presence. Were it not for you, Zaflaya, would no longer appear in a character unfitting his state, the character of a menial. And what would you then, generous Zaflaya, for sure you were the attendant of Enriquez, or I became known to you. Were you otherwise than you are, fair Victoria, I should not now be here. Is it even so, that I am indeed indebted to you, most excellent more, for the sacrifices which you make to my service? And never, never can I sufficiently repay you. You will, you do repay me, kind Senora, but time wastes, let me now give what you require. The second powder, for he concluded his meaning with a smile, then taking the box from his pocket. He drew forth a second powder. But from a different division, and presenting it to Victoria, he said, This powder is a degree more powerful than the last. You will administer it the same, and the effects will be proportionately increased. This, likewise, will last you ten days, and in that time you will observe, in Bernisa, the flame of life become fainter and fainter. To all around his illness will wear the appearance of languor and gentle decay.  By you, some cold-caught and unnoticed at the time, must be fondly alluded to, and suggested as the cause.  The phallus hope that his constitution will triumph over the cureless malady, so that no advice, and, if possible, not any medicines, may be resorted to, lest they should counteract or retard the workings of his delicate enemy. You will thus behold him perishing away like the rose, which carries the canker worm hidden in its heart, or the tree that blasted by the lightning can never more recover its verdu. The more paused, but Victoria appearing violently agitated, as if overcome by some sudden thought or recollection, remained silent. Her uneasiness was not unobserved by Zoflaya, but he only gazed upon her, without inquiring the cause, leaving it to herself to reveal the workings of her mind. At length, fixing her eyes upon his counterance, she said in a hurried voice, Zoflaya, Venice will never do for the seat of action. It will be folly. It will be madness to make the attempt. Such an undertaking as ours, if crowned by success, will prove ultimate destruction. No you not, no you not, Zoflaya, that nothing can remain concealed from il concilgo di DC, but you commit no crime against the state, Signora, you are no heretic. True, but the pretend accusation for these crimes are frequently the vehicles of punishment for other offenses. Hatred, suspicion, or malice conveys an anonymous line into the lion's mouth. The familiars of the holy inquisition are everywhere, and though summoned before its awful tribunal upon false grounds, the tortures soon rest from you a confession of these offenses, of those offenses of which you have been really guilty. No Zoflaya, the attainment of my object avails me nothing if destruction follows the momentary triumph. Well, Signora, though I think that your fears magnify the danger yet the alternative which occurs is easy. Pursuade the con to quit Venice. But wither to go, she said, with an embarrassed air, all Italy is equally dangerous. Zoflaya made an impatient gesture as if to reprove the hesitation of Victoria. After a moment she resumed. I have heard Bernisa speak of Tori Alto. It is the name of a castle appertaining to him, which is situated among the Apennines. A retirement there would at least suit your purpose. The prying steps of curiosity will not follow you, and discovery cannot reach you. But should Bernisa object, as I have hitherto done, to a temporary removal thither, then can you adduce a thousand reasons, a desire for solitude, a wish to visit a eighty-one-thirty? You have never yet seen, or lastly, a suggestion that change of air and situation might speedily restore his health. It shall be so, Zoflaya, pity the distraction of a wretch whose mind is rendered imbecile by misery, and who of herself is incapable of an effort towards her own happiness. Aided and advised by thee, I may command success. The more smiled, your fate, your fortune, fair senora, will be of your own making. I am but the humble tool, the slave of your wishes. Your cooperation with me can alone render me powerful. But fly me, disdain my assistance, and despise my friendship, I sink abashed into myself, and am powerless. Fair well, senora, I have already stayed too long, for the present you need me no more. Abruptly then Zoflaya turned away and quitted the presence of Victoria, who took her steps musingly towards the house. At supper, soon as, with wine and conversation, the spirits of Bernisa became joyous and elevated. She artfully seized an opportunity of introducing the subject nearest her heart. She spoke of terror alto, and expressed a desire to visit its sublime solitudes, professing herself to be still further influenced from the flattering presumption, looking tenderly at Bernisa as she made the assertation that change of atmosphere and a more elevated situation might be a means of bracing his nerves and restoring him to his pristine health. Whatever the tender and unsuspicious Bernisa believed, it was enough for him that Victoria expressed the wish for him unhesitatingly to comply with it, while the welcome but felitious hope pressed upon his heart that devoted to love and him and desirous to prove to him that she was so she abandoned without regret. The vain pleasures and amusements of the voluptuous city, for a solitude no longer unpleasing to her. Charmed at this return to reason and rationality, he fondly pursued himself that the evening of his days would close like the brilliant beauty of a western sky, declining into the shadows of night. Fearful even that her purpose might change, he expatiated on the beauty, the situation of his castella, and desirous to offer every possible allurement to her perseverance, he entreated that Henrique, his fair mistress and her ancient protectress, would be of the intended party. To this Henrique, who fondly loved his brother, readily acquiesced, and ventured to promise for Lila and the senora as with a smile he looked towards them, to depreciate, to deprecate the possibility of a refusal. Victoria, perceiving in the hapless Bernisa such unhoped for eagerness in coincidence with her plan, artfully forbore to press the subject further, but her alarm being awakened, lest the relation of Lila should object to the journey, and thereby, an idea that was not indurable, detain Henrique in Venice, she exerted the fascination of her kindness towards her, and observed with same pleasure as if the point of her acquisitions had settled what infinite benefit would, in all probability, result to her own health, in consequence of the barbarous change. The poor old senora did not exactly think so, but it was enough that Victoria condescended to say it, and to direct towards her unusual attention for her not to hesitate. Besides, as self-love is no less inherent in age than youth, she felt no little gratification in being deemed of sufficient consequence for solicitation. All preliminaries being speedily arranged, it was agreed, ere, they rose from table, that the following day should only intervene for the conclusion of some necessary preparations, and that on the subsequent morning they would take their departure from the gay city of Venice for the Castella di Toro Alto among the Apennines. End of Chapter 21. Recording by Linda Marie Nielsen, Vancouver, B.C. On a lovely morning early in spring the party, descending these steps of St. Mark's, embarked on the Brenta for the Apennines. Victoria, seated by the side of Bresna, administered to him the tenderest, the most deceitful attentions. The fair and beautiful Lilla, with her long flaxen tresses almost veiling her faerie form, seated by the side of Henrique, caught the soft breathings of his love, and without looking upon him felt the warm glances of his eyes, which thrilled with voluptuous tenderness her innocent soul. The aged Senora, proud to be among the youthful party, though of little interest to any, save her orphan charge, sat contented in the enjoyment of others, for venerable age but rarely attracts. The portion of consideration which is due to it, Sophia, towering as a demigod with his plumed and turbaned head, his dark form contrasted and embellished by his bracelets of pearl and by the snowy hue of his garments, was stationed near the stern of the vessel, and ravished the surrounding party with his exquisite harmony, to which even the undulating waves in the wrapped ear of enthusiastic fancy appeared to keep respectful music. Never was fatal journey performed under fair auspices, never with fondre triumph did the bridegroom conduct his long-loved mistress to the altar than the poor Brezna conducted to his solitude among mountains the faithless Victoria. He saw no solitude when she was by, to him she was the peopled world of pleasure, and in the fullness of his exhilarated heart. He blessed the moment which, by visiting him with sickness, restored him as he thought the affections of a wife he had feared was lost to him. To be brief, their journey concluded and arrived at Tori Alto. Victoria observed herself with a gloomy and secret delight, enclosed within the profoundest solitudes. For no town, no hamlet was even near the Castella of Bernesa, which was situated in a deep valley on the borders of a forest. On either side huge rocks towered above its loftiest spires, and half embusomed it in terrible but majestic sublimity, while no sound disturbed the solemn silence of the scene but the fall of the impetuous cataract, as it tumbled from the stupendous aclivity into the depth below, or the distant sound of the vesper bell tolling solemn from the nearest convent with, at times, when the wind blew towards the castle, the murmuring peel of the lofty sound and organ caught at intervals in the breeze, seeming more like the mysterious music of the spirits of the air than sounds from mortal haunts. Here then, said Victoria, as on the morning after her arrival she gazed from her chamber window upon the beautifully terrific scenery and the immeasurable waste of endless solitude which composed it. Here then, without danger, may I pursue the path leading to the summit of my wishes. No prying eye can pierce through here the secret movements which, to compass my soul's desire, may be requisite. Hail then to these blissful solitudes, hail to them, since they perhaps may first witness the rich harvest of my persevering love, and for such a love perish, perish all that may oppose it. While thus she continued, her eyes indeed wandering wildly over the world of mountains, but her thoughts far, far beyond them, she was roused by the mild voice of Bresna, who gently seizing her arm, smiling inquired the subject of her reverie. A faint blush suffused the guilt-bronzed cheek of Victoria, as in a low voice she merely replied, I was contemplating the grandeur of the surrounding scenery, my lord. And do you know, beloved Victoria, replied Bernisa, that I fancy my health already improved from the effects of our journey, this beautiful seclusion, and these pure airs. Victoria felt that this idea of Bernisa's was indeed mere fancy, for while she knew that, on the preceding evening, unrestrained by his fatigue, the circumstances of the moment, or the pallid cheek of Bernisa, she had administered to him his death dealing draught. The bare assertion, however, that he did not feel ill, disturbed her for the moment, and she secretly resolved that in the next draught she would mingle more of the poison. For the present, however, she accompanied him from the window, and joined the party already assembled at breakfast. Persevering with restless barbarity, ere the ten days were concluded, Victoria had administered to the Kant the last atom of the poison. She therefore, as evening came on, wandered forth in hopes of encountering the Moor, with whom, since her arrival at Torri Alto, she had scarcely found an opportunity of conversing. She took her way across the almost pathless forest, for the deeper and more gloomy the solitude, the more probable she thought it, that Zoflaya would choose it for his haunt. Accordingly, she had not proceeded far, or, as if informed by sympathetic influence of her wishes, she beheld the stately Moor issuing from a break among the trees. Directly across her path, she called to him aloud, when slightly bowing, he arrested his steps till she came up with him. Impatience to begin on subjects more important prevented her from remarking the cool and haughty conduct of Zoflaya, who, instead of proceeding rapidly to meet her, had contented himself with awaiting her arrival at the spot where he stood. Zoflaya, she said, as she took his arm and walked rapidly onwards, can you not at once deliver me from the tortures I endure? Having embarked thus far, my soul is sick of the delay. I therefore implore, if you desire to serve me, that you will do it speedily and effectually. Senora, answered the Moor gravely, your movements have already outstepped my directions, and your persipency has gone near to defeat your views. The present illness of the Conti is of a nature to induce gradual and ultimate dissolution. There is nothing in its appearance which, in the common course of things, could warrant the event of sudden death. Such an occurrence, therefore, would give immediate rise to suspicion with every color of justice on its side. Behold, therefore, and pardon my abruptness, he added, here is that which will cause considerable change in the Conti. Seven days will exhaust it, but it must not be exhausted in a shorter period. Moreover, Senora, I warn you, that if my directions are in the smallest title infringed, you weaken the power by which I act, and destroy the effect which strict adherence to the rules laid down can alone produce. Then giving a small paper into the hands of Victoria, with distant air he bowed his head, and striking immediately into the deep recesses of the wood became lost to her view. Singular being, thought Victoria, as with slow and meditating steps, she retook her path towards the Castella. How happens it, that with a thousand questions to ask him, I find time to ask him nothing? And, with a thousand inquiries to make respecting himself, my tongue refuses in his presence to perform its office, and I remain unsatisfied. Thus reflecting, she increased her pace, for the darkest shadows of evening were beginning to fall, as she approached the castle, she beheld coming. As if to seek her, the youthful Henrique, unconscious object of the devouring flame that consumed her, at sight of him her heart throbbed, and various emotions filled her breast. I come, Senora, he cried, as he drew near, at the desire of my brother. He became impatient at your absence, perhaps apprehensive at this late hour, and entreated that I would seek and accompany you home. A task, said Victoria, in a reproachful accent, which you would rather have been spared. No indeed, Senora Cooley, though politely answered Henrique, to give a moment's ease to the bosom of a beloved brother, to attend to his last request, and gratify even his most insignificant wishes, I could never deem a task. To wish for me was indeed an insignificant wish, gloomily observed Victoria. I said not so, Senora. As he spoke, the foot of Victoria striking against a point, a projecting stone, she stumbled. Henrique instinctively caught her arm. Victoria snatched it away resentfully, and, while tears almost started to her eyes, she said, No matter, Senora Henrique, no matter to you if I fall. Good heavens, Senora, why should you think thus? How have I given rise to so unjust a surmise?  Henrique looked towards her with surprise, and, at a loss, what to reply, bowed with an embarrassed air. Victoria remained silent for a few moments, and then, in a calmer voice, resumed, Had the Conti desired you to seek Lila, with what alcarity would you have obeyed? Ah, returned Henrique with animation, who could have reminded me to seek Lila? Since my eyes, accustomed to dwell upon her, would so soon have missed their wanted delight. Victoria scowled with mingled rage and jealousy upon Henrique, but he looked not towards her, and if he had, the hour had been almost too dark for him to distinguish the expression of her which was so terrible, it might almost have been felt by inspiration. By degrees, however, she quelled the violence of her sensations, and in a smothered voice observed, Henrique, you love Lila. Love, he emphatically refiled, I adore her, I idolize her. She is the light of my eyes, the sunshine of my soul, the spring which actuates my existence. Without her, life to me would be a dreary blank, and if fate snatched her from me in this world, I would die. Yes, hasten to die, that my soul might rejoin her in the next, and my body repose by her pure form in the grave. Oh madness, madness, mothered Victoria, an involuntarily grasped Henrique by the arm. Senora, are you ill? he cried, instantly stopping. No, no, no, but I was almost on the point of falling again, she answered, grasping for breath, and in that instant she wavered, whether the powder she retained in her bosom should not be destined to Lila, rather than Bernisa. While this idea crossed her mind, she beheld the innocent girl bounding towards them through the gloom, seeming like an aerial spirit, seen by the dubious light, scarcely appearing in its delicate movements to touch the ground. Instantly the rage of her bosom changed into laughing contempt. She felt her least power could at any time annihilate this, the most fragile of nature's productions, and disdain herself that she had even cast a thought upon an atom so insignificant. Henrique flew instantly to meet her. Victoria slowly followed, and altogether entered the castle. The render Lila, with her right hand holding one of Victoria's, and passing the left round her waist, proceeding to the room where Bernisa awaited them. They found him stretched at length upon a sofa, which being of crimson color, added a more deadly tinge to the paleness of his complexion.  I have been wishing for my tender nurse to make me a glass of lemonade. I have been walking in the forest, my love, replied Victoria, and I went further than I intended, but let me hasten to prepare your drink. So saying, she quitted the room, and in a few moments returned with a glass of lemonade into which she had already infused a sufficient quantity of poison. Its additional force disconfited, as at first the debilitated stomach of the unfortunate Brezna, for he had drunk it all with avidity.  Soon, however, it became disturbed and interrupted by convulsive catchings that innocent breath, which issued from his lips and passed over the face of Victoria, spoke no reproach to her remorseless bosom. A feverish glow passed over her cheek, and now was succeeded by a deadly paleness. Now his hand involuntarily shook, and now different parts of his body yielded to a tremendous convulsion. His lips quivered, his eyelids became agitated by a nervous motion, and he half opened his eyes, over which there appeared a dim-ness like a thin film. Again the heart of Victoria yielded to selfish terror, least she had administered too powerful a dose of the poison. Brezna, however, was not awake, though his eyes remained half open. She took his burning hand, and actuated by her fears, strongly pressed it, the action recalled in a moment the fleeting senses of Breneza. He started and opened his eyes, from which the film vanished, then perceiving the false Victoria bending over him. The complaint he was about to utter died upon his lips, and fearful of giving uneasiness to her, who was deliberately consuming his life, he even repressed the look of anguish, straining it into a tender smile, and smothered the sigh of agony which was bursting from his bosom. Dear Brezna, you are ill, cried Victoria, gazing with dissembled fondness in his face. Only a little languid, my beloved, answered he, a few glasses of wine will reanimate me. So saying he rose, endeavoring to conceal the access of weakness, of which he became sensible, from the eyes of everyone, but more particularly from those of Victoria, and requesting they might repair to the supper room, he was that night permitted, not from her compassion, but her base policy, to drink his wine unmingled with the baleful poison, yet bitterly she regretted what she felt to be so necessary an intermission. End of Chapter 22. Recording by Linda Marie Nielsen, Vancouver, B.C. Chapter 23 of Zafloia. The allotted week had not expired, ere change sufficient was visible in the unfortunate Berenza to satisfy even the soul of Victoria, thirsting as it was for his innocent blood. It was in vain that he gazed on her with eyes of dying fondness. It was in vain that, when oppressed by raging thirst, he called on her for drink, and would receive it from no hand but hers. Even this disarmed not her heart of its fell purpose, even this touched it not with an emotion of pity or remorse. Still she infused, with hand restricted only by fear of danger to herself, the consuming poison into the coveted draft, which, so far from allaying the fever of his blood, was as oil to the devouring flame. Still Berenza dreamed not that his death was nigh, true he felt within him in inanity as it were, a langer of the heart, with sometimes a kind of distaste and weariness of former objects. He knew not precisely the nature of his own sensations, for they varied occasionally. Often his spirits were animated, but then it was an animation which diffused not its vivifying current through the pulses of his heart. It sprang not dense, neither did it leave cheerfulness behind. It seemed independent of himself, as the artificial vivacity which is raised by the power of wine. Always after the animal spirits had been thus pressed into action as it were, he became feebler and more dejected from the strained exertion. This Victoria observing, and instantly concluding that wine, while it exhilarated him for the moment, must still tend to parche up the vital heat. She induced him to drink plentifully of it, thereby causing it to answer the double purpose of blinding him to his actual danger and hastening his death. His cough had now become more serious, exercise was fatiguing to him, and all society but that of Victoria irks him. Thus was he completely in her power, but nevertheless she durst not go beyond the directions of Zafloia. The person of the Conte however underwent no considerable alteration. His complexion only had become somewhat pallid, though occasionally it glowed with a transparent red, but though feeble and slightly emaciated his appetite was increased even to ravenousness. From this circumstance he could not believe himself an actual danger, but rather coincided with the pretended hope of Victoria that time and a naturally robust constitution would triumph over a disorder that he firmly attributed, as Victoria had suggested, to some neglected and unnoticed cold. The wilds of the Aponines seldom tempted him to roam, with the inhabitants of a few gloomy castellas shattered here and there at immense distances from his own he never associated, and Victoria affirmed in order to keep him more secure and avoid the remotest risk of drawing attention towards him that quiet and rest were absolutely indispensable to his recovery. Whatever she willed, right or otherwise, was law to the fond, the dying Lorenza, who forgot in her present apparent tenderness towards him and seeming to votement, all former coolness and discontent. At the very moment in which, with treacherous hand but looks of love, she held towards him the life-destroying draft. In that moment was she dearer to his soul than ever, and often ere he put it to his parched lips, did he stay his eagerness to kiss the false hand that presented it. In vain did Enriquez in treat of his infatuated brother to receive advice, to explain his sensations, only to hear the opinion of a physician. No, he steadily refused. Victoria was all sufficient, and on her tender care would he alone depend. The poison, however, now being exhausted, and the week elapsed, Victoria finding that the miserable Lorenza was not only yet in existence, but that for the last two days he had not appeared more evidently reduced than he had for some time passed, became absolutely impatient to a degree of savageness, and cursed the feeble life that still struggled to retain possession of its worn-out tenement. Deeming it therefore requisite to seek Zafloia, she again repaired to that part of the forest where she had last encountered him. This time the moor seemed awaiting her, and hastening towards her as she approached, he said. You are impatient, Senora, at the strength of the Conte's constitution. Is it not so? But rest satisfied, your end is answered. He cannot long survive. Yet does he not appear worse this evening than he did eight days ago, murmuringly observed Victoria? Probably not, Senora, yet are the principles of life irreparably sapped, and though you should now resign all further attempts to utterly destroy them, though every aid of medicine might be assayed, yet never now could nature recover herself, for he must eventually and speedily perish. But how soon, or he may linger for years even till old age shall have chilled the ardent fires which now burn in my bosom, till my passions shall have withered away and my energies become damped? O Zafloia, if you desire to serve me, let it be at once, hitherto you have but trifled. The moor started back, and looked scowlingly upon Victoria. Never before had she beheld him look so terrible. In an instant her proud rage subsided. Her eyes were cast on the earth, and she trembled at what she had suffered to escape her lips. Yes, Victoria, who never before trembled in the presence of mortal being, who did not tremble to agonize and insult a father, to revile a mother, and consign a husband to the grave, trembled now in the presence of Zafloia. To herself even the sensation she experienced was inexplicable, and involuntarily approaching the moor, who was still distant from her, she took his hand and said, Forgive me, Zafloia, pardon my abruptness, and attribute it to the irksome delay I suffer in my hopes, which confuses and distracts my brain. Tis well, Signora, answered the moor gracefully, yet haughtily bending and waving his hand. You forgive me, Zafloia, dain then to advise me. I direct, Signora, not advise, and at the same time must observe that the fullest confidence is to be placed in me. You have not yet found that I have deceived you. It will be early enough for reproaches when you discover that I have. Spare them, I beseech you then, till the arrival of that period, your doubts must vanish meantime, and if you wish my assistance I must be suffered without comment to pursue that line best calculated to render it effectual. I told you that the drug I gave you would work the destruction of the Conte. Did I not add that it would work it slowly? Would you have desired it should be immediate, to frustrate for ever your own hopes and end it once my business here? Well, Zafloia, I will in all respects follow your directions, relax then the sternness of your brow, and smile upon me as usual. Beautiful Victoria, you are resistless, cried Zafloia, dropping on one knee. Tis I now who sue for pardon, and promise to devote myself to your service. Rise, gentle moor, and accept my hand, cried the vain and flattered Victoria. Never shall I have power to recompense you. You recompense me, senora, in accepting my swims. Dane now to listen to me.  I deem it more advisable that he should be left to the concluding effects of the poison he has already imbibed. But that I may gratify your wishes, and, above all, guard against the possibility of disappointment. I have here a drug which I have known to be immediate in its operations. Lest, however, it should accidentally fail in the present instance, requiring perhaps a small addition of some corroborative quality, or an increase of the dose, I would recommend a previous trial upon some indifferent subject, he paused. I know of no subject, said Victoria musingly. Has not the orphan Lola an old female relative with her? observed Zafloia. She is, as far as I can see, a most useless appendage, and hereafter might even prove troublesome. True, replied Victoria, she would answer excellently for an experiment. The Moor smiled with malice. I would have you then, senora, lend the officious dame into the forest. I will shortly appear, as if by your previous desire, with two glasses of wine or lemonade. You will take the one which I shall put next to you, and present the other to the old senora. She is feeble, and tottering on the verge of the grave. Should not an immediate effect be perceptible on her swallowing it, we must add a grain for the benefit of the Conte. But should it not take instant effect, we shall be betrayed, Zafloia. Leave that to me, senora, and suffer me to proceed. On my having retired, you shall run hastily towards the castle for assistance, pretending, which will be easily believed, that the senora hath fallen down in a fit. But should any marks of the poison become perceptible after her death interrupted the selfish Victoria? They will be naturally attributed to the mode of her death. No suspicion, rest assured, shall be excited. Trust me, beautiful Victoria, I have an interest, a deep interest, in preserving you from exposure. Well, give me the powder then. I rely implicitly upon you. The Moor gave into her hand a small paper containing the poison, and the following morning was agreed on for the trial of its efficacy. Separating then, each reached the castle by different ways. On the following morning, Victoria, having watched her opportunity, entered a little apartment where the aged and inoffensive senora was tranquilly sitting by a window, inhaling, through the bars of a blind, the fresh breeze from the mountains. Solitary and forsaken by the younger branches of the family, even by the gentle Lilla, who had been drawn away by Enriquez, she smiled with pleasure at the sight of Victoria, who, more rarely than anyone, deigned to notice her. What, entirely alone, senora, she exclaimed as she entered.  Come, let me lead you out. You will find the open air, do you more service than inhaling it through this confined medium. The poor senora, surprised and flattered at such wonderful condescension, rose with trembling limbs, yet with all the alacrity she could assume. Lean upon me, good senora, said Victoria, and let me assist you. The gratified and feeble senora respectfully accepted the offer. Panting with weakness she gained at length, however, the precincts of the forest. Here, Victoria, though she cursed and dreaded the delay, was under the necessity of permitting her for a few moments to rest upon her arm.  No one appeared in view, and the fresh air having a little restored the imbecile powers of her unsuspecting companion, she prevailed upon her to proceed, and succeeded at length in luring her, by the unusual honor of her attention, to a more gloomy part of the forest, where a rocky eclivity on one side offered at its base a rugged and projecting seat. Here, Victoria, affecting to have selected this spot for its convenient attributes in shading them at once from the sun and the wind, likewise affording them a seat, and treated the senora to rest, while, with treacherous kindness, she assisted her to sit. Appearing then infinitely grieved at her evident weariness, though the poor senora, from complacence and gratitude, forbore complaint, she observed to her, You are indeed fatigued, senora, I apprehend the exertion has been too much for you. Allow me to return to the castle and procure you some refreshment, for generally the more Zafloia brings me about this hour sherbet or lemonade. The Santa Maria forbid, replied the senora, that you should give yourself any trouble. A little rest will quite restore me, but I am no longer young, senora. At that moment, Victoria beheld among the trees the air-mold-covered turban of Zafloia, glittering to the sunbeam. Her heart leaped, and she rose to receive from him the glasses of lemonade which she carried in a silver salver. Punctual in taking for herself that which the more held towards her, she presented the other to the unconscious senora, who received it with a palsied hand, but with a thankful smile and a dim eye that looked on her with gratitude. Scarcely, however, had she taken off the fatal draught, air overcome by dreadful sickness, she fell headlong from her seat. She assayed to speak, her sunken eyes rolled dreadfully, and with violent convulsion she uttered, I am, I am poisoned. She will not die, muttered Victoria in a low voice to the more. Zafloia replied not, but stooping over the struggling unfortunate, he compressed her withered throat with his dark hand, and the sounds half-formed rattled within it. Then rising with unruffled visage, he laid his finger on his lip, and pointing towards the castle, precipitately disappeared. Victoria understood the movement, neither shocked nor alarmed at the frightful outrage committed. She ran from the recess and, as she gained the castle, called loudly for help. Servants immediately came running different ways, and when informed that a terrible catastrophe had befallen the old senora, they hastened to the spot. Even Berenza conquered his pain and lassitude to gaze with awe upon the melancholy fate, a forerunner only of his own. The innocent Lilla, almost frantic, exclaimed in agony as she leaned over the lifeless body of her only relative, that she had now, indeed, no friend, but was a deserted orphan left destitute in the world. Unkind Lilla, cried Enriquez, endeavoring to draw her from the painful scene. Have you not a lover, and can you want a friend? Lilla replied not, while tears of anguish coursed down her fair cheeks, and melancholy forebodings filled her breast. Enriquez passed his arm round her waist and forced her from the spot, while Victoria gazed upon them as they passed with eyes of malignant rage. Everyone believed that the old senora had expired suddenly in a fit. Some said the air had taken too powerful an effect on her debilitated frame. Some that she had been seized with sudden convulsion, while even the wisest attributed the event to the visitation of Providence, and the infirmity of age that could no longer support the burden of existence. None surmised the real cause at the dreadful scene of her death there were no witnesses but its cruel perpetrators. In the gloomy solitariness of mutual guilt the deed was hatched and done. End of Chapter 23 Chapter 24 of Zafloia This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org Zafloia by Charlotte Daca Chapter 24 A short time only had elapsed since the dreadful catastrophe of the poor senora, during which Victoria had continued, though with pining reluctance, the use of the slow poison, the more Zafloia having peremptorily refused to administer as yet the final dose. When frantic with protracted hope and increasing passion she sought again the darker better of her crimes. It was on an evening when no appointment existed between them at an hour too much earlier and had yet been accustomed to seek them more. But the demons of evil raged with such fury in her bosom that every consideration was lost in their overpowering influence. The wretched Lorenza still lived in obstacle to her wishes and death alone could satisfy her thirsting soul. She bent her steps towards the thickest of the forest where the gloomy cypress, tall pine in lofty poplar mingled in solemn umbrage. Deep rocks, seeming piled on one another, inaccessible mountains with here and there a blasted oak upon its summit, resembling rather from the distant point at which it was beheld a stunted shrub, huge precipices down which the torrent dashed and foaming in the viewless abyss with mighty rage filled the most distant parts of the surrounding solitude with a mysterious murmuring produced by the multiplied reverberations of sound. When Victoria stopped for a moment and gazed around, the wild glooms seemed to suit the dark and ferocious passions of her soul. She gave way to the chain of thought that came pressing on her mind. Her heart was anarchy and lust of crime and she regretted that she had suffered till now the existence of ought between her and her desired happiness. By the dagger's aid, thought she, I could have accomplished all air now. I despise, yes, despise my folly in having deliberated so long and the contemptible fears that have restrained my hand. Thus booing herself up to frenzy she admitted no reflection of danger that was attendant on the open commission of crime. Her reason was blinded by the blandishments of guilt and the despotic sway of evil that triumphed in her heart. Oh, Zafloya! Zafloya! she exclaimed, with wild impatience. Why art thou not here? Thou, perhaps, and thou alone must soothe the burning madness of my brain.  Of a sudden the sweetest sound stole upon her ear. They were like the tremulous vibration of a double-toned flute sounding as it were from a distance. Its lovely melody by turn softened and agitated her. It seemed not the solemn notes of the organ from the neighboring convent. No, it was unlike mortal harmony. Besides, the convent was on the other side of the castle, situated halfway down a mighty rock, and she had wandered too far to catch the smallest note of its deep-sounding music, even had the wind set towards the castle. Still the soft tones continued and kept her on the rack between pain and pleasure. At one moment it brought before her view the idolized form of Enriquez in all the grace of his youthful beauty, disposing her to love, and the most impetuous passion. The next, its melancholy cadence suggested to her sickening soul that him so frantically adored might never be hers, and that the barriers existing between them could never be overcome. If the turbulent emotions of her mind debated, they gave place to others no less dangerous. Still she listened with resistless attention. At length a slight pause occurred. Sweet aerial sound, she cried, yet painful are the impressions I received from you, distracting rather than soothing my troubled soul. Sooner, yes sooner what I hear the footsteps of Zafloia are his sweet voice, sweeter than all this music. His voice, then, and not his step, most beautiful senora, said a voice which rivaled indeed the sweetness of the music, and Victoria beheld at her side the stately moor. Astonishing being, she exclaimed, I heard you not indeed, once came you. I am here, Victoria, will not that suffice?  By sympathy, lovely Victoria, your very thoughts have power to attract me, such as you have just indulged would bring me to you from the further extremity of this terrestrial globe. Explains Zafloia. They are bold and spirited. They convince me that you partake of myself and that you are worthy of my present devotion. I am satisfied in this conviction. But how have you the power of dividing my thoughts? Zafloia smiled and regarded her with a piercing eye. I can read them now, beautiful Victoria. That high flush cheek, that wandering eye, are evidence that cannot be mistaken. Victoria sighed deeply and concurring in the justice of the observation inquired no further. The wildly moor had turned her attention from his mysterious insinuations to her own conscious feelings. These alone regained full possession of her. And everything else appeared trivial in her view. O Zafloia, she exclaimed, truly dost thou divine, my soul is indeed disturbed, and unless thou wilt assist me, I am lost. Despair not, said the moor, casting himself beside her, as her figure half risen from the earth was supported by her elbow and her head reclined upon her hand. Despair not, he repeated, and unrepulsed took the hand which hung down. Say but how Zafloia can serve his lovely mistress and let him prove to her his zeal. Ah, thou knowest, thou knowest, Zafloia, she cried impatiently. When looking upon the serious, yet expressive countenance of the moor, she more calmly proceeded. I have hitherto, Zafloia, yielded to thy counsel. I may say to thy will, for thou wits not grant me that which ere now would have set me free. Berenza still lives, still intervenes between me and happiness. Thou knowest the feverish suspense which I endure, my blood bubbles in my heated veins, and I feel within me as if the powers of life were withering, scorched and dried up by the raging tires of my long protracted love. O kind and pitying moor, I ask thee, yes, I ask thee for that, which by ending at once the existence of him whose emaciated semblance of what he once was reproaches, while it mocks my hopes, shall free him from the lingering doors and give new life to me. She paused, and looking on the moor, beheld his eyes sparkling with such a scintillating brilliancy as it were, that she was compelled to withdraw her gaze, though impatiently she awaited his reply. Victoria, he said at length, in dulcet accents, while the wild emotions of Victoria's bosom began already to subside. I would not have thee think that in the waywardness of an unkind spirit I refuse to see thy wish. Be assured thy present safety, and the ultimate attainment of thy hopes alone actuated me. When we assayed the poison on the ancient relative of the orphan Lilla, which speedily extinguished within her the feeble flame of life, I ask thee, would it have been expedient, according to thy ill-judged desire, to have administered on the following day a similar draft to the Conte? What terrible and dangerous surmises would instantly have been excited, marring thereby perhaps an eternal period to all thy hopes? It was necessary that a short time at least should elapse. Meanwhile we have not lost any, for not a day hath since past that has not brought him nearer to his grave. Because he still breathes and faintly lives, thou believest that his breath and life are not nearly exhausted. It is not so, however, and the slightest impelent will tumble him headlong into the arms of death. Had we not first assayed the efficacy of the poison upon the old Signora, but unadvisedly had administered it to him, he would have languished for a time and his situation would have awakened suspicion.  Ah, if you are indeed anxious to serve me, Zafloia, cried Victoria, with a smile that evidenced the joy imparted by the last words of the Moor. Why did you not seek me at once and put the speediest possible end to my protracted misery? I did not seek you, because it increases my triumph and my pleasure that you should will me into your presence. With joy do I promote your wishes, but with redoubled joy, when you yourself invite me. Besides, added he, I am almost convinced that it would be as well even yet to delay for a time. You talked not to me so, interrupted Victoria. Wherefore, wherefore delay? The better to evade suspicion, rejoined the Moor. O, you are bent upon destroying me, Zafloia, when perceiving a gathering frown upon the countenance of the Moor, she hastily added, O, frown not so terribly, Zafloia, but assist me at once, thereby laying claim to my eternal gratitude and enhancing the benefit you confer. It shall be so then, replied the Moor, with a beautiful but peculiar smile. I will yield to your desire, assist you in your attempt, and shield you from all immediate consequences. This night removes from your view one becomes so obnoxious to it. This night, said Zafloia, cried Victoria, in an exulting voice. This very night returned the Moor. Within this hour you shall see your desire fulfilled, and I will preserve you from every danger and suspicion. O, Moor, I thank thee, exclaimed Victoria, seizing in her joy his hand, and pressing it to her bosom. The Moor turned upon her as resplendent eyes. Is not that heart mine, Victoria? said he in an impressive voice. It is indeed gratefully bound to use Zafloia, she answered, looking upon him with a disconcerted air. I say it is mine, Victoria, returned he, but he added smilingly, fear not, for I am not jealous of your passion for another. Victoria felt surprised. She lifted her eyes to the countenance of the Moor, but they fell beneath his fiery glances. She would have spoken. She knew not what conflicting emotions chained her tongue. She desired to reprove his boldness, but needing his assistance she dared not. She beheld herself in his power, and in the abjectness of her guilt she trembled. Zafloia smiled. His hand had remained on her bosom. Its hard pressure seemed heavy on her heart. He now withdrew it, and her confused eyes began to rally. She felt released as from a grasp of iron. Again she ventured to turn her eyes towards him. His features had resumed their usual expression, animated but serene, resembling the returning brilliant calmness of a summer sky that had looked lurid with the threatened storm. In an instant his ambiguous words vanished from the mind of Victoria, or ceased to make impression. Ott was pardonable in the resistless Zafloia, and she faintly smiled. Victoria, he observed. It is yet light. The evening is mild and beautiful. The breeze from the mountain bears temptation on its wings. It promises delight to those in health and reanimation to the feeble. Barenza will, I think, be induced to venture forth. Leave this spot therefore. Walk towards the castle and you may encounter him. If you do you will see me likewise. Should Barenza be sick, let your eyes seek me. When mine meet yours put forth your hand and receive what I shall offer you. Give it to Barenza, and the result will be manifested. Farewell. So sane in a moment he turned and walked rapidly away. Soon Victoria beheld him no more. His movement had been so precipitate, so sudden, that scarcely could she believe she had but just beheld him. With slow and lingering steps she prepared however to depart. The words of the Moore still sounded in her ears, but their import was not clear to her. His mysterious department occupied her thoughts, and though in his presence hope and pleasant feelings defused themselves through her bosom. No sooner was he vanished than for the temporary calm she had experienced accumulated horrors distracted her. The wildest frenzy of passion. The most ungovernable hate and thirst even for the blood of all who might oppose her. In a mind of such gloomy anarchy was she now traversing the forest. Her pace quick and irregular. Already had she entered the path leading to the castle when a faint and hollow voice uttered her name. Raising her eyes, she started on beholding before her the heart-touching semblance of what he once had been. The dying but unconscious parenza supported between Lilla and Enriquez. His faded form was before her indeed, but she beheld him not, for her guilty eyes were directed instantly towards his blooming brother, whose sparkling eye and health animated form presented to be sure as striking contrast to the feeble being beside him. Sunk was the once brilliant eye and robbed of its red-rose tint. The pallid cheek of parenza. Dispoiled of their healthful firmness, his emaciated, nervous limbs, his once expanded chest expanded now no longer, but contracted and oppressed by a difficulty of respiration. His elevated figure, his step-bold and erect, now changed and depressed by the hard hand of the long-protracted suffering. The wretched parenza retained about him no traces of what he once had been. Save in the sweet suavity of his unaltered manners, save in the never-dying grace that even an estate so pitiable accompanied his every movement. The philosophic dignity of his soul, his native strength of mind, forsook him not, but taught him, as through life it had done, to rise superior to his bodily ills, ills which even yet he vainly flattered himself were not irremediable. In the delusive fondness of Victoria's eyes he still read hope. From her well-famed solicitude he derived consolation, and felt as though while beloved and attended by her, death could not reach him. Her love, her tenderness, seemed to him a protecting shield, through which its arrows could not pierce. Each pulsation of that faintly throbbing heart beats still with unvarying love for her, but after approaching he disengaged his arm from Enrique's, and hastening towards her, even at the peril of sinking, he leaned his trembling hand upon her shoulder for support, and in an under-voice he cried, the hope of meeting thee, my love, hath enabled me to proceed thus far. I now feel nearly overcome. Lead me where for a moment I may rest myself. Can't thou walk a few paces further? inquired Victoria, leading him onwards to the very spot where the Neora had yielded up her life. They were then at no great distance from it, and Lorenza unable to reply, motion that he might be supported thither. Enriquez and Lilla joined to assist him. In a few minutes he gained the shady recess, and reposed himself upon that seat that had already been so fatal to another.  You are much fatigued, my love, she observed, in an anxious voice right beside him. Yes, my Victoria, and I would I were at the castle for I faint with thirst. What wouldst thou, Lorenza? I will hasten for it, said Victoria. Drink, drink, no matter what, answered the miserable Lorenza, something to revive my sinking soul. Oh, my brother, cried Enriquez, you drink more than is prudent, and wine but increases the fever which consumes you. What, Enriquez, hastily cried the agitated Lorenza, rendered irritable by long suffering. I named not wine, but if I had, wouldst thou deprive me of every consolation, refuse me every desire? Never before had the hapless Lorenza expressed himself thus to a brother whom he tenderly loved. No sooner, therefore, did he observe that the feelings of Enriquez were wounded than stretching forth his hand while a tear trembled in his eye, he said, you do not feel as I do, nor what I have you. Without wine I am a wretch, for while it quenches the intolerable thirst which seems to parched my vitals, it warms and invigorates my debilitated frame. It gives new life to my sinking spirits, and renovates when they begin to fail my hopes of recovery. Here, overcome by weakness, he could only wave his hand, which motioned Enriquez comprehending, and vexed to have uttered ought that could be in the smallest degree that my beloved brother cried. Fly, my Lilla, to the castle, and bring our brother some wine. He may need my assistance, here, therefore I will remain. The beauteous Lilla bounded away to execute her mission. Lorenza recovered a little, but his heart beat quick, though feebly, and his frame trembled with an increase of debility. Lilla presently returned. I met the more as the foyer she cried as she approached, and he hastens overflowing goblet for you, my lord, she said with a sweet smile, addressing Lorenza. Did you, my little lover, said Lorenza, faintly smiling in return for her innocent attention. Meantime, with quick step, Zafloia drew near.  Now his last words began to be explained, and she wondered in silence. He approached and presented to the Conte the goblet of wine, which he carried. Tell me, my Victoria, cried Lorenza, from thy hand would I receive it, and with difficulty he raised his beating head from her bosom. Victoria stretched forth her hand for the wine. Her eyes met those of Zafloia. They were pregnant with terrible intelligence, for they spoke that death was in the goblet which she received from his hand. With all her unshrinking hardy-hood and deeds of horror, the strange, the dreadful expression of Zafloia's countenance shook her inmost soul. However, she took, with assumed steadiness, the fatal glass, and presented it to the anxious Lorenza. He raised it, fixing his hollow eyes upon her countenance, and then, looking up to heaven, as if to call down blessings on her head, he raised it to his lips, and hastily drank its contents, even to the dregs. Scarce had he done so, ere with convulsive motion, his hand was pressed upon his heart, that heart seized with an acute fluttered-not-a-word, for while the fires of Etna consumed his vitals, respiration was nearly arrested, and he gasped his lips, and cheeks became deadly pale, his eyes closed, his hands fell nervous beside him, and bereft of sense, he sunk back. Whom more collected than the dark Zafloia? He loosed the vests of the Conte, he rubbed his hands and his temples, and while horror assailed Enrique's, and even the guilty Victoria felt a selfish tear at the sudden accomplishment of her own wishes, he calmly, though a seeming sorrow, expressed his idea that the Conte had fainted through excessive weakness, and were probably recovered if conveyed into the castle, where proper remedies could be administered. To this remark Enrique's, though almost insensible from alarm, sadly assented. The more than raising in his brawny arms, him whom he well knew would never more revive, hastened with him into the house. A lifeless Lorenza, being laid upon a couch, a favorite servant of the Contes, by name Antonio, proposed instantly to go in search of a certain monk belonging to the neighboring convent, who was reported to be highly skilled in physics, and the disorders of the human frame. Enrique's, catching at the idea, hastily dispatched him, with every promise of reward if he used expedition, and meantime, approaching his brother, assisted Victoria, and her wildly co-editor in their endeavors to restore him. That every effort was vain, is scarcely necessary to be said, yet great was the trepidation of Victoria, lest the reputed skill of the monk, if it failed in counteracting the deadly ejects of the poison, should at least reveal to him that poison had been resorted to. This idea threw her into a state of terror, that not all her dependence on Zafloia, nor even the offended glances of encouragement, which, from time to time, he eased on her, could subdue. After some time of excruciating anxiety, passed by all, though from different motives, Antonio at length returned. He was accompanied by a monk indeed, but not by him who he sought, the reverend father being absent from the convent on visits of charity in a distant hamlet. The one now with him was offered as his substitute, and highly recommended by the superior as second, at least, to Father Enselmo in physical knowledge, and is equal in piety, charity, and goodwill towards men. The monk approached Lorenza, and after looking at him a few moments, desired that his arm might be uncovered. Then, taking his lancet from his pocket, he made a small puncture in the vein. Victoria bent over him with well-fane sorrow, while Enrique has held his motionless hand. Suddenly, though at the first puncture a single drop had refused to flow, the blood started forth, and flew into the face of Victoria. Tear and surprise nearly overpowered the conscious, stricken wife. The avenging blood of Lorenza had fixed upon his murderer, and hung its flaming evidence upon her cheek. She dared not lift her eyes, lest those of the others should read in them the self-written characters of guilt. But with trembling hand, raising a handkerchief to her face, wiped away the crimson stains, and then again ventured to bend over his lifeless form, still in terrible expectation of some further fearful event. All was over, however, the blood had just started, and instantly ceased. Animation was not suspended merely. It was forever fled. No one suspecting her guilt, her agitation was attributed only to the acutely painful feelings natural to be excited by the inocurrence so affecting. While the thoughts and observation of all were still engaged upon Lorenza, she ventured to raise her eyes. The terrible eyes of Zafloia alone encountered hers. In them she read the desperate and gloomy fierceness of determined crime. She could not gaze upon them, but hastily looked away. Though despairing of the smallest success, the monk had opened a vein in the other arm of Lorenza. The terrors of Victoria were renewed, but groundlessly. No life-warm current followed the lance at its point. The heart was forever motionless, and the bosom in which once it had beat high in healthful pride, inanimate and cold. Hope could no more be indulged, for no swoon but the eternal sleep of death was discovered by the deceased Lorenza. Such a fate, so sudden, so terrible for the best of human beings excited bitter grief in the minds of all but Victoria. Yet even those who lamented him most felt no surprise, for though immediate death had not been foreseen, no one had ventured to hope that it was far distant. He had not expired in the plenitude of vigorous health. His decay on the contrary had been progressive, though rapid, and his dissolution hastened, as Enrique had a happy determination of his beloved brother to refuse all medical advice in the strange, delusive persuasion of his ever-reasoning mind that nature must be all sufficient to triumph in time over her own complaints. Never, in despite of representation's most delicately urged would Lorenza give ear to any suggestions of actual danger. And for this pertinacity, Enrique's too justly in his mind arraigned Victoria, so tenderly beloved by the Conte, and often had felt surprise and indignation that she never joined with others in entreating him to alter his fallacious system, when she well knew that her word, or slightest persuasion, would have changed instantly his most obstinate resolve. On the contrary, she would often argue with him that physicians were ignorant, dangerous experimentalists, and pretend to be herself a convert to the hazardous plan of trusting all to the operations of nature. In consequence of these reflections the heart of Enrique is involuntarily against the infamous wife. He had never viewed her with sentiments of regard, and she was now more than unpleasing in his sight. From an unaccountable combination of ideas he connected her so intimately with the cause of Lorenza's death by having upheld him in his mistaken notions that he shrunk almost instinctively from her, with a sentiment of horror. Unhappy brother, little didst thou surmise how well, how justly founded were the feelings of thy breast were in nature so powerfully asserted herself. End of Chapter 24 Chapter 25 of Zafloya This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by James K. White, Chula Vista Zafloya by Charlotte Dacker Chapter 25 When, at a late hour, the inmates of the mansion that so late had owned Lorenza for its lord retired to their respective apartments, more to indulge in solitude their grief for his loss than to seek repose, it chanced that Victoria, whom no feeling, however, of regret or remorse for the cruel death inflicted by her on the most excellent of human beings, deprived of the power to sleep, awakened soon after she retired to bed from a disturbed and terrifying dream. Staring up in her bed she gazed around the chamber, still trembling under its dreadful impression. She thought that entering the apartment where the corpse of the deceased Conte reposed, she had drawn aside the curtains of the bed and beheld his countenance in various parts of his body discolored and disfigured by livid marks, evidences of the poison which had been given him. That, in the frenzy of despair and terror, she had called upon and reproached Zafloia, who, without daining to reply, gazed upon her with a stern and bitter smile. Thus, in a state of mind-baffling description she had awakened, and the impression made by her dream was so strong that although she endeavored to view it only as an insignificant vision caused by the events of the day, she found it impossible to compose herself. The figure of Berenza, discolored by the effects of the poison, still swam in her view. At length, determined to end what she conceived to be her superstitious terrors, she resolved to seek the apartment of the Conte and to satisfy herself with the conviction that her dream was without foundation, phantoms conjured merely by a diseased imagination.  As she quitted her chamber, it occurred to her that Zafloia had said he would shield her from suspicion. He might mean only with respect to having caused the death of the Conte. He had not, expressly said, that after his death it should not be possible to ascertain by what means it had been occasioned. This reflection accelerated her steps, and with pallid cheek and beating heart she reached the room where an awful solitary stillness reposed the body of the Conte. Pausing, trembling at every step, dreading to discover she knew not what, slowly she approached the bed whereon he lay. The curtains, which were of gauze, were drawn close around. Still hesitating without, she endeavored to look through them, but the outline only of the poor Berenza's form was discernable as seen through a thin mist. Summoning resolution then she drew the curtains apart. A slight covering still lightly veiled his countenance. Desperate, fierce, she snatched it away. When horrible confirmation of her fears she beheld the features disfigured indeed, and frightfully changed even to the most extravagant portraiture of her distempered fancy. For a few moments she remained rooted to the spot. Then resistlessly impelled to search for and know the worst at once, however it might increase her consternation and despair, she opened his peaceful unconscious bosom whereon large spots of livid green and blue became revealed, and struck her almost senseless with overpowering dread. Not the dread of public justice so much as the dread, horrible to her, that the discovery or suspicion of her guilt would prevent before death the accomplishment of her criminal wishes, rendering thereby useless and unavailing the enormities she had achieved for their sake. These ideas glanced rapidly through her mind. She still remained by the side of the bed, gazing upon the placid though discolored features of him she had destroyed, and which, had she been susceptible of compunctious feeling, spoke in their mournful fixedness a thousand reproaches on her guilt. But no. Her thoughts were employed upon the consequences likely to ensue to herself. The hour of mourning began to approach, and her heart beat with increased alarm at the idea of the surmises that must soon be excited by the altered appearance of the Conte. The terrible inquisition, its horrid torments, its links-eyed scrutiny pressed upon her brain. At this juncture she thought of Zafloya. A faint hope that he might assist her in the present confusion of her ideas determined her to apply to him, yet how to seek him. And at this hour how could she, to the presumptuous more, use the endicorum of summoning him? These reflections, unworthy however the masculine spirit of Victoria, she speedily overcame in the stronger sense of her embarrassment, and she decided to seek him instantly. She knew that his apartment was situated near that of Enriquez, and cautiously she left the silent chamber of death and retraced her steps along the darksome gallery, dimly illumined only by the lamp she held and which served to guide her steps. As she was slowly proceeding, a ray from her lamp fell suddenly upon the sparkling vest of Zafloya, and partially betrayed his towering figure to her view. I was seeking you. I need your advice. Hason onwards I pray, in a low voice untreated Victoria, overjoyed to have encountered him to feel surprise at his unexpected appearance. Lead on then, replied the Moor. I am obedient. Victoria laid her finger on her lip and turned back towards the chamber of the Conte. The contrast between them as they moved along was peculiarly forcible. The figure of Victoria slender and elegantly proportioned, arrayed and flowing white with a raven hair streaming over her shoulders. That of Zafloya so gigantic and differently attired, yet seeming at intervals by the dubious rays of the lamp and the reflective strong shade, increased to a height scarcely human. Once or twice the deceptive magnitude of his dark shadow on the wall struck with momentary alarm even the hearty Victoria, and might have excited remark but that other objects engrossed too deeply her present thoughts. They now reached the peaceful gloomy chamber of Berenza. Enter, Zafloya, whispered Victoria, and approached that bed. The Moor obeyed, opened the curtains and gaze upon the countenance within. The Moor opened the curtains and looked upon the face of Berenza, then turning immediately to Victoria, the expression of his features, though less malignant and severe, reminded her forcibly of her dream. Tell me, Moor, she exclaimed, rendered desperate by her feelings of terror and grasping with violence the arm of Zafloya. Tell me, what can be done in this terrible extremity? The Moor was silent. Didst thou not tell me, pursued Victoria, thou wouldst preserve me from suspicion? Behold those blackened features that discolored bosom! Who can fail immediately to ascertain that poison, poison hath caused the death of Berenza? Whoever behold the counten will clearly ascertain that fact, coolly replied the Moor. Zafloya, Zafloya! cried Victoria, gasping with terror. What is that you say? I say, beautiful Victoria, whoever sees the counten will instantly pronounce that his death was caused by poison. Victoria clasped her hands and remained mute with consternation and anguish, fixing her regards upon the Moor. Victoria, he cried at length, if you would have my services, I repeat what I have often urged, you must place implicit confidence in me and firm reliance. Retire now to your chamber and fear nothing for the moral. But, Berenza, leave to me all care for your safety, but those marks! The Moor knit his dark brows. I have said, he cried, in a stern authoritative voice and pointed haughtily to the door. The frame of Victoria trembled and she retreated towards the door. Horror and awe at the inexplicable character of the Moor so wholly possessed her that, though she longed, she durst not require an explanation of his intentions with respect to the body of Berenza. His dark but brilliant eyes like two stars in a gloomy cloud pursued her with their strong, imperious rays even to the threshold of the door. She stopped, hesitated and attempted to speak, but the effort was vain and without power to offer resistance she quitted the apartment. Great, alternately, were the terrors and great the hopes of Victoria. On the word of the Moor she had strong reliance, for she had never yet found that he deceived her. But his ambiguous promises, his explicit acknowledgment, that whoever saw the body of the Conte must discover the occasion of his death threw her again into fits of doubt and consternation. And the hours that she passed in her chamber expecting every moment some confirmation of her fears were the just portion of one immersed like herself in blackest guilt. The morning was not far advanced when a mingled commotion and confusion of voices pervaded the castle. The terrors of conscious criminality prevented her from rising to inquire the cause. Fainting, almost dying, she awaited the result of agony, gemmed her writhing brow. At length, a loud knocking at her chamber door caused her to start from her seat. The blood flew into her lately pallid cheeks and as suddenly rushed back to her heart leaving them again of a livid paleness. The knocking continued. More dead than alive she tottered to the door and opened it. Various persons, domestics in the castle, burst into the room strong dismay painted on their faces. And with loud lamentation exclaimed that the body of the Conte was missing. End of Chapter 25 Recording by James K. White Chula Vista Chapter 26 of Zafloia This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by James K. White Chula Vista Zafloia by Charlotte Dacker Chapter 26 This dreadful and singular event spread consternation throughout the castle. Victoria alone could have attempted to explain it and she carefully treasured in her bosom the ideas that presented themselves. Oh, most exquisite Zafloia exclaimed she in the solitude of her chamber. Well mightest thou say that those who beheld the body of the Conte would be enabled to ascertain the cause of his death, while already thou hadst resolved that it should never more be seen. No, I will doubt thee no longer powerful more, nor thy care for my safety, for well do I now perceive thy infinite depth and wisdom. But after the first emotions of joy as her narrow escape had subsided she began to marvel and reflect upon the sudden and precipitant disappearance of the body. Wither in that short space could he have conveyed it, perhaps into some bottomless abyss where the foaming torrent had embraced and hid it ever more. If not so, how then had he disposed of it, no matter how so that never more it revisited the light. Adieu then for the present, to vain and useless surmises, thought she. I will rest content with the effect that has been produced. Events, however terrible and strange at the moment of their occurrence, lose by degrees their impression over the mind, for the ideas failing to identify the point at which they aim relax their attempts and revert to the consideration of objects more familiar to them. Thus, after a certain lapse of time, though surprise and regret continued frequently to obtrude on the minds of all, strong anxiety and horror gradually though slowly diminished. A gloomy calm was perceptible throughout the house, as though everyone bore about him the memory of some dreadful calamity which time had ameliorated into a chastened grief. On the heart of Enriquez had the melancholy death of his brother, and its accompanying circumstances sunk the deepest. The castle, where so late he had resided, became a gloomy memento in his sight, and the presence of Victoria daily and unaccountably more displeasing to him. He meditated, therefore, to abandon the former and to quit Italy altogether for some distant climb where the memory of his misfortunes should no more in a thousand eloquent and mournful shapes continue to haunt him. The time, however, was now fast approaching when the innocent Lila would no longer consider it a point of religion or duty to state at becoming his wife. Till this period, therefore, he decided to remain stationary to smother the repugnant feelings of his bosom, for he reflected that unless he remained under the same roof with Victoria, he should be debarred the society of his Lila, well knowing that her unaffected virtue and sense of decorum would deem it improper to be elsewhere so perpetually with him. Meantime the passion of Victoria having now as she conceived further obstacles to surmount grew to an unrestrained height. She sought by every wily blandishment and seduction to attract the attention of Enriquez. But vain were her artifices, for his soul was enslaved by the simplicity and innocence of the youthful Lila. All other women were detestable in his sight. Her trembling delicacy, her gentle sweetness, her silph-like fragile form were to him incomparable and being familiarized to the observance of such soft loveliness the rest of her sex, when placed beside her, appeared in his idea like beings of a different order. But above all Victoria, he viewed with almost absolute dislike.  So utterly opposite to the gentle Lila that when with an assumed softness she deigned to caress her he almost trembled for her tender life and compared the picture in his mind to the snowy dove fondled by the ravenous vulture. At length, with infinite reluctance and to the bitter mortification of her pride, Victoria acknowledged to herself that she was not only indifferent to Enriquez but despised and hated by him. At this bitter conviction her brain whirled yes, he detests me she exclaimed in an agony of rage, but he shall he must be mine his boyish caprice shall not avail him ah, she continued relapsing into softness I will throw myself my fortune into his arms I will again sacrifice my liberty and offer to become his wife Amidst these reflections the haughty Victoria had scarce allowed herself to believe that the attachment of Enriquez to Lila was the cause of his indifference to her she resolved to be at once explicit therefore to make to Enriquez a proposal which she imagined he would not dream of refusing and to seize the earliest opportunity of doing so. As if to coincide with her views Lila on the same evening complaining of indisposition retired early and Enriquez who felt no desire to remain alone with a woman whom he viewed with sentiments of disgust arose a few moments after Lila had quitted the apartment and bowing distinctly to Victoria was departing stay Enriquez, cried the determined Victoria starting from her seat I desire a few words with you Enriquez bowed and arrested his steps be seated, I implore you have you anything material to communicate senora inquired Enriquez unable to conceal his reluctance to her society or will not tomorrow answer equally well no, replied Victoria in an impressive accent I request you Enriquez to be seated unwillingly Enriquez resumed his seat when the frantic woman incapable of restraining her emotion cast herself at his feet and seizing his hand Enriquez, she cried Enriquez my soul adores you behold me at your feet I offer you all all that I possess my hand in marriage grant me but your love senora answered Enriquez with assumed composure disengaging himself from her grasp as my brother's wife I tolerated but never approved you since his death my feelings towards you have acquired a stronger cast I now, he cried forgetting in a moment his attempt at coolness I now hate and despise you wretch worthless and insensible as you are to forget so soon a husband that adored you and doubly a wretch to confess to me your unhealed thoughts all you know to be irrevocably another's Victoria sprang from her abject posture the feelings which swayed her heart had been irrepressible she had not intended to be thus premature in her avowal of love but the violence of passion threw her off her guard now the emotions excited by the reply of Enriquez were equally unconquerable miserable youth she cried it was enough your insulting coolness your bitter reproaches I could have born born proud as I am with patience but that you should dare without trembling to acknowledge in my presence your love for another love interrupted Enriquez with enthusiasm love say adoration idolatry by heaven my Lila is a gem too bright to shed her pure rays beneath this contaminated roof oh wretched Victoria he continued with a bitter smile and could you attempt to talk of love to the lover of Lila can language describe the feelings of Victoria her brain worked with wildest rage producing almost instant madness yet revenge thirsting revenge was the predominant sensation of her soul swallowing up every other by an effort and self-command scarcely credible she reigned in the tumult of her passion and forbore to recriminate upon Enriquez what? drive him from the castle and lose thereby the power of sacrificing the abhorred Lila to her vengeance the pygmy the immaterial speck that she deemed unworthy of a thought to lose too forever the possibility of softening perhaps even yet subduing the stern insensibility of Enriquez no the sacrifice to frantic rage would have been too great her decision was prompt and instantaneous covering her face with her hands she sunk into a chair and audibly sobbed a reply so different to what he had taught himself to expect knowing the violence of her nature at once surprised and affected Enriquez in a moment he regretted the asperity with which he had spoken and the reflection obtruded on his mind that the female whose only fault towards him was the love which she bore him merited at least a milder return he hesitated an instant the goodness of his heart prevailed and he approached the wily Victoria I would offer, senora in a gentle voice he said taking her hand some apology for my warmth I meant not, I assure you not to be severe will you then, he added pardon me and accept this acknowledgement of my error oh Enriquez replied Victoria redoubling her tears it is I alone who am in fault at this moment I feel within me the reproaches due to my conduct the words which I have suffered to escape my lips now strike me with shame and horror scarcely can I account for the impulse me to give them utterance noble and generous as you are forget if you possibly can the frenzy of the moment and do not, do not she pursued casting herself again at his feet despise me to the degree that I feel you ought Enriquez, infinitely affected raised in his arms her whom he believed was indeed the abashed and repentant Victoria he besought her to be composed and to forgive him for the pain that he had caused her ah all that I ask is your forgiveness said Victoria and your promise that you will not reflect upon what is past this night to my disadvantage oh Enriquez I will show you that if Victoria yields for a moment to an unpardonable weakness that she knows how to conquer and become herself again Enriquez assured her that he would blot from his mind every impression unfavorable to her and added that by the immediate revival of noble sentiments in her bosom and the candor with which she had arraigned herself she had more than expiated the imperfect part of her conduct Victoria, affecting to be satisfied and grateful for this assurance took with well-famed diffidence and humility the hand of Enriquez and raising it to her lips turned from him as if unable to restrain her emotion and hurried out of the room End of Chapter 26 Recording by James K. White Chula Vista


The problem that we've been trying to address now for many decades, but it really accelerated during COVID-19, was how do we get decision makers to use evidence systematically and transparently to address societal challenges. And during COVID-19, two of the big challenges that we saw were these reliance on preprints, squeaky wheel experts, one-off and old-school expert panels, instead of the best evidence. And we also saw reliance only on certain forms of evidence. Data analytics, modeling, for example, getting a lot of traction, but other forms of evidence that are critically important for decision-making weren't at the table. And so what we began to do is try to figure out how do we formalize and strengthen evidence support systems in every country and leverage these new abilities we have to provide timely demand-driven evidence support in timelines as short as hours and days, and how do we better leverage global public goods like living evidence syntheses that slot the new evidence in based on its quality, and as the context and evidence evolves, then we can draw on different insights from the evidence. I think the most innovative aspect of what our 25 commissioners who were part of the Global Commission on Evidence to address societal challenges came up with was this idea of formalizing and strengthening evidence support systems, and they made the distinction between that and the research system focused on things like peer-reviewed publications and the innovation system focused on things like commercialization. The evidence support system is about, in a timely and responsive way, getting the best evidence to decision-makers. That means in part matching the right form of evidence to the question being asked, if it's about a problem, it may be data analytics, if it's about selecting options, it may be evaluation. It also means combining the best national evidence, data analytics, modeling, evaluation, behavioral implementation research, qualitative insights with the best evidence from around the globe, and asking the question, how does it vary by groups and contacts? And that's typically in the form of evidence syntheses. Those are some of the things that the commissioners said would be game-changers if we're really going to use evidence more systematically. The Evidence Commission Secretariat is currently working with 12 countries and we have plans to work with many others, so if you're not one of those countries, we would be delighted to hear from you. To conduct assessments of domestic evidence support systems, we want to work with partners at the country level to understand what's going well, that needs to be systematized and scaled up when it comes to evidence support, and what are the key gaps that need to be filled. It's a very pragmatic exercise. What are the key actions that need to be taken now? To me, this is the best chance we've had in my 25 years of working in the field of supporting decision-making with best evidence. If we really want to address societal challenges, if we really want to deliver on the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals, then we need to find ways to formalize and strengthen domestic evidence support systems.