“Teresa uttered a cry of admiration. Vampa in this attire resembled a painting by Léopold Robert or Schnetz. He had assumed the entire costume of Cucumetto. The young man saw the effect produced on his betrothed, and a smile of pride passed over his lips.

“ ‘Now,’ he said to Teresa, ‘are you ready to share my fortune, whatever it may be?’

“ ‘Oh, yes!’ exclaimed the young girl enthusiastically.

“ ‘And follow me wherever I go?’

“ ‘To the world’s end.’

“ ‘Then take my arm, and let us on; we have no time to lose.’

“The young girl did so without questioning her lover as to where he was conducting her, for he appeared to her at this moment as handsome, proud, and powerful as a god. They went towards the forest, and soon entered it.