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200 resolved on the disclosure, but in vain; the words died on my lips, and again I had to pray for strength from above.

"One morning I was summoned at an earlier hour than usual to her chamber. She received me with an expression of rejoicing affection, which showed me she had something more than usually pleasant to unfold. I had scarcely taken my accustomed low seat at her side, when, opening a casket which stood on the table near her, she took out a diamond tiara, and, placing it in my hair, pointed to the glass. 'Ah, my child!' she exclaimed, 'you well become your future crown!' and, without waiting for my reply, she informed me that my father's negotiations for my marriage had been completely successful, and that the King of Poland had demanded my hand.

"The time for concealment was over. Supported by a strength not my own, I threw myself at her feet, and avowed my unalterable resolve. That dear mother has since died in my arms, blessing her child, and rejoicing that I had chosen the better path; and yet, even now, I shrink from recalling the suffering of that scene. The cloister then seemed to my beloved parent even as the grave; and, ah! my father's anger was terrible to bear, for it was an anger that grew out of love.