“Oh, no; do not hope it. I am sorry to discourage you, but I know that she is permitted to correspond only with a few trusted friends, and that all her letters and her correspondents’ letters pass through the hands of the mother superior. And she is allowed to see only a certain small number of visitors upon fixed days, and in the presence of one of the sisters,” said Erminie.
The young professor heaved a profound sigh, and inquired:
“Have you the great happiness of being one of the blessed number who are permitted to visit this angel?”
Erminie could not restrain a smile at the hyperbolical language of this lover as she answered:
“Yes, I am allowed to visit her; but only in the presence of one or two of the sisters.”
“Then, my dear Miss Rosenthal, may I entreat you to be our good genius and convey one little, little message to my love?” said Corsoni, clasping his hands imploringly.
“I am very sorry to refuse you, signior; but, even if it were right for me to take your message, I should not be allowed to deliver it,” answered Erminie, very gravely.
“Ah! what an unfortunate man I am! Miss Rosenthal, if you cannot take a message, since you would not be permitted to deliver it, can you not take one little, little letter? You could easily deliver a little, little letter unknown to the sentinel sisters,” entreated the lover, again clasping his hands and bringing his beautiful eyes to bear upon her with all the force of which they were capable.
“I cannot, signior! I am very sorry to refuse you, but I cannot. It would be a very great breach of faith on my part to do as you wish me. I am trusted by Alberta’s parents, and I must be faithful to my trust,” said Erminie, seriously.
“You draw hair breadth lines of distinction, my too good Miss Rosenthal,” said the signior, rising, in ill-suppressed displeasure, to take his leave.