ebony; her skin was while and lightly tinged with colour. On her chin was a dimple, and her slightest smile summoned into being two other dimples, one on each cheek. Her mouth was small, disclosing two rows of fairest orient pearls, and from her red lips flowed forth an indefinable sweetness. The lower lip projected ever so lightly, and seemed designed to hold a kiss. I have spoken of herarms, her breast, and her figure, which left nothing to be desired, but I must add to this catalogue of her charms, that her hand was exquisitely shaped, and that her foot was the smallest I have ever seen. As to her other beauties, I will content myself with saying that they were in harmony with those I have described.
To see her at her best, one had to see her smiling; and hitherto she had been sad or vexed--states of mind which detract from a woman's appearance. But now sadness was gone, and gratitude and pleasure had taken its place. I examined her closely, and felt proud, as I saw what a transformation I had effected; but I concealed my surprise, lest she should think I had formed an unfavourable impression of her. I proceeded, therefore, to tell her that I should expose myself to ridicule if I attempted to keep a beauty like herself for a servant.
"You shall be my mistress," I said, "and my servants shall respect you as if you were my wife."
At this Rosalie, as if I had given her another being, began to try and express her gratitude for what I had done. Her words, which passion made confused, increased my joy; here was no art nor deceit, but simple nature.
There was no mirror in her garret, so she had dressed by her sense of touch, and I could see that she was afraid to stand up and look at herself in the mirror in my room. I knew the weak spot in all women's hearts (which men are very wrong in considering as matter for reproach), and I encouraged her to admire herself, whereupon she could not restrain a smile of satisfaction.
"I think I must be in disguise," said she, "for I have never seen myself so decked out before."
She praised the tasteful simplicity of the dress I had chosen, but was vexed at the thought that her mother would still be displeased. "Think no more of your mother, dearest one. You look like a lady of quality, and I shall be quite proud when the people at Genoa
ask me if you are my daughter." "At Genoa?"
"Yes, at Genoa. Why do you blush?"
"From surprise; perhaps I may see there one whom I have not yet forgotten." "Would you like to stay here better?"
"No, no! Love me and be sure that I love you and for your own sake, not from any thought of my own interests." "You are moved, my angel; let me wipe away your tears with kisses."
She fell into my arms, and she relieved the various feelings of which her heart was full by weeping for some time. I did not try to console her, for she had not grief; she wept as tender souls, and women, more especially, often will. We had a delicious supper to which I did honour for two, for she ate nothing. I asked her if she was so unfortunate as not to care for good food.
"I have as good an appetite as anyone," she replied, "and an excellent digestion. You shall see for yourself when I grow more accustomed to my sudden happiness."
"At least you can drink; this wine is admirable. If you prefer Greek muscat I will send for some. It will remind you of your lover."
"If you love me at all, I beg you will spare me that mortification."
"You shall have no more mortification from me, I promise you. It was only a joke, and I beg your pardon for it." "As I look upon you I feel in despair at not having known you first."
"That feeling of yours, which wells forth from the depths of your open soul, is grand. You are beautiful and good, for you only yielded to the voice of love with the prospect of becoming his wife; and when I think what you are to me I am in despair at not be-
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ing sure you love me. An evil genius whispers in my ear that you only bear with me because I had the happiness of helping you."
"Indeed, that is an evil genius. To be sure, if I had met you in the street I should not have fallen head over ears in love with you, like a wanton, but you would certainly have pleased me. I am sure I love you, and not for what you have done for me; for if I were rich and you were poor, I would do anything in the world for you. But I don't want it to be like that, for I had rather be your debtor than for you to be mine. These are my real feelings, and you can guess the rest."
We were still talking on the same subject when midnight struck, and my old landlord came and asked me if I were pleased. "I must thank you," I replied, "I am delighted. Who cooked this delicious supper?"
"My daughter."
"She understands her craft; tell her I thought it excellent." "Yes, sir, but it is dear."
"Not too dear for me. You shall be pleased with me as I with you, and take care to have as good a supper tomorrow evening, as I
hope the lady will be well enough to do justice to the products of your daughter's culinary skill."
"Bed is a capital place to get an appetite. Ah! it is sixty years since I have had anything to do with that sort of thing. What are you laughing at, mademoiselle?"
"At the delight with which you must recollect it."
"You are right, it is a pleasant recollection; and thus I am always ready to forgive young folks the peccadilloes that love makes them commit."
"You are a wise old man," said I, "everyone should sympathise with the tenderest of all our mortal follies." "If the old man is wise," said Rosalie, when he had left the room, "my mother must be very foolish." "Would you like me to take you to the play tomorrow?"
"Pray do not. I will come if you like, but it will vex me very much. I don't want to walk out with you or to go to the theatre with you here. Good heavens! What would people say. No, neither at Marseilles; but elsewhere, anything you please and with all my heart."
"Very good, my dear, just as you please. But look at your room; no more garret for you; and in three days we will start." "So soon?"
"Yes; tell me tomorrow what you require for the journey, for I don't want you to lack for anything, and if you leave it all to me I
might forget something which would vex me."
"Well, I should like another cloak, a cloak with a lining, some boots, a nightcap, and a prayer-book." "You know how to read, do you?"
"Certainly; and I can write fairly well."
"I am glad to hear it. Your asking me so freely for what you want is a true proof of your love; where confidence dwells not there is
no love. I will not forget anything, but your feet are so small that I should advise you to get your boots yourself."
Our talk was so pleasant, and I experienced such delight in studying her disposition, that we did not go to bed till five o'clock. In the arms of love and sleep we spent seven delicious hours, and when we rose at noon we were fast lovers. She called me thou, talked of love and not of gratitude, and, grown more familiar with her new estate, laughed at her troubles. She kissed me at every opportunity, called me her darling boy, her joy, and as the present moment is the only real thing in this life, I enjoyed her love, I was pleased with her caresses, and put away all ideas of the dreadful future, which has only one certainty--death, 'ultima linea rerum'.
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