“I fear not the fall,” Federico impetuously exclaimed.
“Dare you risk everything?”
“For your love, everything!” was the enthusiastic reply.
“Listen, then, to the difficulties that beset us, and say if they are surmountable.”
The maiden paused, started, grew pale.
“Hark!” she exclaimed—“what is that? He comes! Be still! be silent!” With wild and terrified haste she seized Federico’s hand, dragged him across the room, and opened a door. The student felt a burning kiss upon his lips, and, before he knew where he was, the door was shut, and he was in total darkness. All that had happened since he entered the house had occurred so rapidly, was so mysterious and startling, that he was utterly bewildered. For a moment he thought himself betrayed, groped round his prison, which was a narrow closet, found the door, and, grasping his stiletto, was about to force his way through all opposition, when he suddenly heard heavy steps on the other side of the tapestried screen. Motionless, he listened.
“Bring lights!” said a deep commanding voice; “the lamp burns dim as in a bridal chamber.”
“It anticipates its office,” replied another male voice, with a laugh. “Is not your wedding-day fixed?”
“Not yet; in the course of next week, perhaps,” answered the first speaker, striding up and down the apartment.
“You are in small haste,” returned his companion, “to enjoy what all envy you. Never did I behold beauty more divine and captivating.”