CHAPTER III



He was not long in seeking the bright star, which he indeed felt was
destined henceforth to guide the course of his whole life. The
delicate form approached him not far from the entrance; weeping
softly, it seemed to him, in the light of the full moon which was
just rising, and yet smiling with such infinite grace, that her tears
were rather like a pearly ornament than a veil of sorrow. In deep
and infinite joy and sorrow the two lovers wandered silently together
through the flowery groves; now and then a branch waving in the
night-air would touch the guitar on the lady's arm, and it would
breathe forth a slight murmur which blended with the song of the
nightingale, or the delicate fingers of the girl would tremble over
the strings and awaken a few scattered chords, while the shooting
stars seemed as if following the tones of the instrument as they died
away. Oh, truly happy was this night both to the youth and the
maiden, for no rash wish or impure desire passed even fleetingly
across their minds. They walked on side by side, happy that
Providence had allowed them this delight, and so little desiring any
other blessing that even the transitoriness of that they were now
enjoying floated away into the background of their thoughts.

In the middle ot the beautiful garden there was a large open lawn,
ornamented with statues and surrounding a beautiful and splashing
fountain. The two lovers sat down on its brink, now gazing at the
waters sparkling in the moonlight, and now delighting in the
contemplation of each other's beauty. The maiden touched her guitar,