"'And wherefore need we take the sharp knife, and wherefore need we
open the white breast, or look upon the rebellious heart? Surely, by
thy fair face all can tell, my child, how that fair face hath been
darkened, how the fresh bloom hath faded, and bright eyes grown dull.
After all, 'tis clear thou lovest some wandering falcon, some
stranger youth.'

"Anastasia answered not a word; she could not speak for tears; and
hid her face in her hands. At last, softened by Selínova's friendly
sympathy, and her assurances that she would be easier if she would
confide her secret to such a faithful friend, she related her love
for the heretic. The episode of the crucifix was omitted in this tale,
which finished, of course, with assurances that she was enchanted,
bewitched.

"Poor Anastasia!

"Snowdrop! beautiful flower, thou springest up alone in the bosom of
thy native valley! And the bright sun arises every day to glass
himself in thy morning mirror; and the beaming moon, after a sultry
day, hastens to fan thee with her breezy wing, and the angels of God,
lulling thee by night, spread over thee a starry canopy, such as king
never possessed. Who can tell from what quarter the tempest may bring
from afar, from other lands, the seeds of the ivy, and scatter them
by thy side, and the ivy arises and twines lovingly around thee, and
chokes thee, lovely flower! This is not all: the worm has crawled to
thy root, hath fixed its fang therein, and kills ye both, if some
kind hand save ye not."