“Suppose I were to spare you that confession? Suppose I were to acknowledge that the object of your desires is not unknown to me? Suppose I were to say that she returns your affection, and laments not less sincerely than yourself the unhappy vows which separate her from you?”

“Ah! Donna Rodolpha!” I exclaimed, throwing myself upon my knees before her, and pressing her hand to my lips, “You have discovered my secret! What is your decision? Must I despair, or may I reckon upon your favour?”

She withdrew not the hand which I held; but she turned from me, and covered her face with the other.