he had leapt from his horse and was by my side. He addressed me
in gentle terms; and when again I looked at him his countenance no more
seemed stern. It appeared that he was staying with the Baron von
Nauemberg, with whom he had been out hunting in the Black Forest, and
from whom and his suite he was separated in the ardor of the chase.
Being a total stranger in those parts, he had lost his way. I
immediately described to him the proper path for him to pursue; and he
offered me gold as a recompense. I declined the guerdon; and he
questioned me concerning my family and my position. I told him that I
lived hard-by, with an only relative--a grandsire, to whom I was
devotedly attached. He lingered long in conversation with me; and his
manner was so kind, so condescending, and so respectful, that I thought
not I was doing wrong to listen to him. At length he requested me to be
on the same spot at the same hour on the morrow; and he departed.

"I was struck by his appearance--dazzled by the brilliancy of his
discourse; for he spoke German fluently, although an Italian. He had
made a deep impression on my mind; and I felt a secret longing to meet
him again. Suddenly it occurred to me that I was acting with
impropriety, and that you would be angry with me. I therefore resolved
not to mention to you my accidental encounter with the handsome
cavalier; but I determined at the same time not to repair to the forest
next day. When the appointed hour drew near, my good genius deserted me;
and I went. He was there, and he seemed pleased at my punctuality. I
need not detail to you the nature of the discourse which he held toward
me. Suffice it to say, that he declared how much he had been struck with
my beauty, and how fondly he would love me; and he dazzled me still more
by revealing his haughty name; and I found that I was beloved by the
Count of Riverola.

"You can understand how a poor girl, who had hitherto dwelt in the
seclusion of a cottage on the border of a vast wood, and who seldom saw
any person of higher rank than herself, was likely to be dazzled by the
fine things which that great nobleman breathed in her ear.

"And I was dazzled--flattered--excited--bewildered. I consented to meet
him again: interview followed interview, until I no longer required any
persuasion to induce me to keep the appointments thus given. But there
were times when my conscience reproached me for conduct which I knew you
would blame; and yet I dare