going to visit the shrine of that saint,
giving them lodging and kind entertainment. To this good lady,
therefore, Helena went, and the widow gave her a courteous welcome, and
invited her to see whatever was curious in that famous city, and told
her that if she would like to see the duke's army, she would take her
where she might have a full view of it. "And you will see a countryman
of yours," said the widow; "his name is Count Rousillon, who has done
worthy service in the duke's wars." Helena wanted no second invitation,
when she found Bertram was to make part of the show. She accompanied her
hostess; and a sad and mournful pleasure it was to her to look once more
upon her dear husband's face. "Is he not a handsome man?" said the
widow. "I like him well," replied Helena, with great truth. All the way
they walked, the talkative widow's discourse was all of Bertram: she
told Helena the story of Bertram's marriage, and how he had deserted the
poor lady his wife, and entered into the duke's army to avoid living
with her. To this account of her own misfortunes Helena patiently
listened, and when it was ended, the history of Bertram was not yet
done, for then the widow began another tale, every word of which sank
deep into the mind of Helena; for the story she now told was of
Bertram's love for her daughter.

Though Bertram did not like the marriage forced on him by the king, it
seems he was not insensible to love, for since he had been stationed
with the army at Florence, he had fallen in love with Diana, a fair
young gentlewoman, the daughter of this widow who was Helena's hostess;
and every night, with music of all sorts, and songs composed in praise
of Diana's beauty, he would come under her window, and solicit her love;
and all his suit to her was, that she would permit him to visit her by
stealth after the family were retired to rest; but Diana would by no
means be persuaded to grant this improper request, nor give any
encouragement to his suit, knowing him to be a married man; for Diana
had been brought up under the counsels of a prudent mother, who, though
she was now in reduced circumstances, was well born, and descended from
the noble family of the Capulets.

All this the good lady related to Helena, highly praising the virtuous
principles of her discreet daughter, which she said were entirely owing
to the excellent education and good advice she had given her; and she
further said, that Bertram had been particula