Only one.
Falsest-hearted, only chosen--
Soon the short-lived dream was o'er--
He is gone, and I am lonely
Evermore."
The last words were sung in a broken voice, and she now leaned her head against the casement-frame, and I heard her sobbing. My agitation was so great that I forgot the precaution which my situation demanded, and a stone which I had dislodged from the crumbling edge of the terrace rolled down the slope. Constance started, and called with an unsteady voice, "Who is there?" I judged it more prudent to discover myself, and approached her, saying that it was I.
"Ah, it is you, then," she said.
"I entreat you to forgive me. The music of your guitar attracted me. I know I ought not to have come: pray forgive me."
I stood near her; the light from the room fell brightly upon her face and her eyes, which were lifted to mine.
"How kind you are," she said in a soft voice; "or are you not dealing truly with me?"