CHAPTER XII

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A MINISTERING SPIRIT.

Sweet illusions--Everything seen and done--True devotion--In the vortex--Sunshine and blue skies--Less demon-like pit--Lights and shadows--Arcades lose their gloom--Rosalie--Charm of Anselmo--Romance not dead--H. C. in ecstasy--Escorting an angel--Cathedral steps--San Filiu--A lovely spot--Ancient house--Mullions and latticed windows--Passing away--Rosalie's ministrations--Resignation--Rosalie's farewell--"Consuelo"--Taken from the evil to come--The door closed--Ernesto's world topsy-turvy--Ernesto turns business-like--The catapult again--Up the broad staircase--Not the ghostly hour--Madame in her bureau--Posting ledger--Balance on right side--Madame philosophises--Shrieks to the rescue--"My dear daughter"--Our host and the nightingales--Waiting for next year's leaves--The Senorita Costello--Delormais on the wing--Another vigil--Promise given--Departure--Inspector quails--H. C. collapses--The susceptible age--Lady Maria alters her will--Possession nine-tenths of the law 168

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