A Sicilian Romance

At this information, the marquis assumed a very stern look, and

severely reprimanded Peter for his imprudence, at the same time

reproaching the other servants with their undutifulness in thus

disturbing his peace. He reminded them of the condescension he had

practised to dissipate their former terrors, and of the result of

their examination. He then assured them, that since indulgence had

only encouraged intrusion, he would for the future be severe; and

concluded with declaring, that the first man who should disturb him

with a repetition of such ridiculous apprehensions, or should attempt

to disturb the peace of the castle by circulating these idle notions,

should be rigorously punished, and banished his dominions. They shrunk

back at his reproof, and were silent. 'Bring a torch,' said the

marquis, 'and shew me to the dungeon. I will once more condescend to

confute you.'

They obeyed, and descended with the marquis, who, arriving at the

dungeon, instantly threw open the door, and discovered to the

astonished eyes of his attendants--Ferdinand!--He started with

surprize at the entrance of his father thus attended. The

marquis darted upon him a severe look, which he perfectly

comprehended.--'Now,' cried he, turning to his people, 'what do you

see? My son, whom I myself placed here, and whose voice, which

answered to your calls, you have transformed into unknown sounds.

Speak, Ferdinand, and confirm what I say.' Ferdinand did so. 'What

dreadful spectre appeared to you last night?' resumed the marquis,

looking stedfastly upon him: 'gratify these fellows with a description

of it, for they cannot exist without something of the marvellous.'

'None, my lord,' replied Ferdinand, who too well understood the manner

of the marquis. ''Tis well,' cried the marquis, 'and this is the last

time,' turning to his attendants, 'that your folly shall be treated

with so much lenity.' He ceased to urge the subject, and forbore to

ask Ferdinand even one question before his servants, concerning the

nocturnal sounds described by Peter. He quitted the dungeon with eyes

steadily bent in anger and suspicion upon Ferdinand. The marquis

suspected that the fears of his son had inadvertently betrayed to

Peter a part of the secret entrusted to him, and he artfully

interrogated Peter with seeming carelessness, concerning the

circumstances of the preceding night. From him he drew such answers as

honorably acquitted Ferdinand of indiscretion, and relieved himself

from tormenting apprehensions.

The following night passed quietly away; neither sound nor appearance

disturbed the peace of Ferdinand. The marquis, on the next day,

thought proper to soften the severity of his sufferings, and he was

removed from his dungeon to a room strongly grated, but exposed to the

light of day.