seen twice, and on these occasions only
for a few minutes, and whom I knew, by her garb, to belong to the poorer
class. But on the following Wednesday I saw her for the third time; and
when she beheld me standing near the old woman's flower stall, she
appeared vexed and surprised, and was about to turn away. I however
approached her, besought her to accept of the choicest nosegay which I
had been able to find, and continued to speak to her in so ardent, yet
respectful a manner, that she no longer viewed me with resentment, but
with something approaching to interest. And if I had been charmed by her
beauty when as yet I had seen her at a comparative distance, how
enraptured was I now by a nearer contemplation of that heavenly
countenance.

"I assured her that her image had never been absent from my heart since
first I saw her, that I should never know peace or happiness again until
she would give me some hope, and that I would sooner die than have her
construe my words into an insult. She was touched by the earnestness and
evident sincerity of my manner; and, encouraged by her silence, I
proceeded hastily to inform her that my name was Cornari, that I was a
young man of humble birth, but that I possessed a modest competency, and
was my own master. I then pressed her to accept my nosegay; but,
suddenly bursting into tears, she exclaimed--

"'O, signor, you know not whom you have thus honored with your notice,'
and hurried away, leaving me absolutely stupefied with astonishment and
grief. It immediately struck me that she was a lost and degraded
creature, who dared not respond to a virtuous love. But a few moments'
reflection told me that such innocence, such artlessness, such candor
never could be assumed--never feigned; no, they were most natural! And
this conviction, added to the intense curiosity which now inspired me to
fathom the mystery of her singular remark, rendered me more anxious than
ever to meet with her again. Several weeks passed without seeing the
gratification of my wish; and I was becoming seriously ill with
disappointment and defeated hope, when accident led me to encounter her
once more. She would have avoided me, but I absolutely compelled her to
stop. Seizing her hand, I said,--

"'Look at me--behold to what I am reduced--mark these pale and sunken
cheeks, and have pity on me!'

"'And I, too,' she murmured, 'have been very miserable since we last
met.'

"'Then you have thought of me?' I exclai