autiful, and apparently conscientious being; and the mystery which
involved her threw around her a halo of interest that fanned the flame
of my passion. I was prepared to make any sacrifice rather than abandon
all hope of calling her my own. The proud title of Riverola was as
nothing in my estimation when weighed in the balance against her
charms--her bewitching manner--her soft, retiring modesty. I moreover
flattered myself that I was not indifferent to her; and I loved her all
the more sincerely because I reflected that if she gave her heart to me,
it would be to the poor and humble Cornari, and not to the rich and
mighty Lord of Riverola.

"At length the day--the memorable day--came; and she failed not to keep
her appointment. She was pale--very pale--but exquisitely beautiful; and
she smiled in spite of herself when she beheld me. She endeavored to
conceal her emotions, but she could not altogether subdue the evidence
of that gratification which my presence caused her.

"'You have disregarded my most earnest prayer,' she said, in a low and
agitated tone.

"'My happiness depends upon you,' I answered; 'in the name of Heaven
keep me not in suspense; but tell me, can you and will you be mine?'

"'I could be thine, but I dare not,' she replied, in a voice scarcely
audible.

"'Reveal to me the meaning of this strange contradiction, I implore
you!' said I, again a prey to the most torturing suspense. 'Do you love
another?'

"'Did I love another,' she exclaimed, withdrawing the hand which I had
taken, 'I should not be here this day.'

"'Pardon me,' I cried; 'I would not offend you for worlds! If you do not
love another, can you love me?'

"Again she allowed me to take her hand; and this concession, together
with the rapid but eloquent glance she threw upon me, was the answer to
my question.

"'Then, if you can love me,' I urged, 'why cannot you be mine?'

"'Because,' she replied, in that tone of bitterness which did me harm to
hear it, 'you are born of parents whose name and whose calling you dare
mention; whereas you would loathe me as much as you now declare that you
love me, were you to learn who my father is! For mother, alas! I have
none; she has been dead many years!' And tears streamed down her cheeks.
I also wept, so deeply did I sympathize with her.

"'Beloved girl,' I exclaimed, 'you wrong me! What is it to me if your
father be the veriest wretch, the greatest criminal that crawls upon the
face of t