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From that day had a new and marvellous life commenced for Natalie She

felt herself surrounded by a dreaic, fantastic, supernatural

life; it see

to all her thoughts, realizing all her wishes! And Joseph Ribas was the

merry, always-cheerful, always-serious Kobold of this invisible deity!

"My lord is not satisfied with theof your villa,"

said he to Natalie, on the first day "He begs to be allowed to adorn

your chamber with a splendor suited to your rank and your future

greatness!"

"And in what ismaiden,

with curiosity

"That will be made known to you at the proper time," mysteriously

replied Joseph Ribas

"Who will tell me?"

"He, the count"

"I shall therefore see him!" she joyfully exclaimed

"Perhaps! Will you, however, first allow me to have your roos to your lord," said Natalie "It is for him, as lord

and master, to do as he pleases in it"

And satisfied, Ribas hastened away, to return in a few hours with more

than fifty workmen and artists, in order to commence the improvements

Until now the villa had been finished and furnished with si necessary for comfort or convenience, for