e
treasures to be concealed from the profane in the most profound
sanctuary of the heart. Aminta advanced a step or two towards Maulear,
thus testifying her wish to return to the villa. But the Marquis, afraid
of losing this favorable opportunity to see her for a short time alone,
begged her to be seated, and took his place beside her, making, as an
excuse, an allusion to the fatigue of riding rapidly from Naples to
Sorrento.

Aminta sat down, but with an embarrassment which Maulear could not but
see. "You have kept your promise, Signor," said she, seeking to disguise
her trouble by speaking first.

"How could I not keep my promise?" said Maulear. "It was to see you
again."

"We know what such devotion must cost you," Aminta replied, speaking
aloud, as if her words were not intended only for Maulear. "Both my
mother and myself are very grateful to you."

"Signorina," said Maulear, with an effort, for he was afraid of wasting
in commonplaces moments in which every word he uttered had a priceless
value, "I did not think, as I wrote on the wall of Tasso's house the
simple lines you deigned to read and remember, that I thus wrote out my
horoscope, and divined the happiness fate marked out for me at
Sorrento."

"Happiness?" said Aminta, and she trembled as she spoke. "You must refer
to the service you have rendered me."

"I speak," said Maulear, unable to restrain himself, "of a new and
strange feeling to me, full of pleasure and pain, of hope and fear. I
speak of a love, which will be the pride and joy of my existence, if it
be shared; which will bring despair and torment, if she who inspires it
rejects it."

"Pray be silent," said Aminta, rising and looking with fear around her.

"Ah, you have understood me," said Maulear, attributing to his
confession Aminta'a emotion.

The young girl was silent. Her eyes turned towards the door of the hut,
as if she feared some one would open it.

"What I say here, Signorina, with nought near me but the passing cloud
and flying bird, I wish to repeat to those who love you--before your
mother and brother, whom I would look on as my own. It is for you to
tell me whether I shall speak to them or be silent."

Just then a faint noise was heard in the summer-house.

Maulear did not perceive it, for Aminta, more and more disturbed by the
mysterious noise, had suffered the Marquis to take her hand, and the
latter, interpreting this favor as his heart wished, fell on his knees
be