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132 from the summer sky—from the dewy flowers. She might see me! My heart stood still, and then beat with redoubled violence! A world of fiery eloquence rushed to my lips; I felt I could speak my love,—that I could tell her for whose dear sake I stood a raptured watcher in the lonely night. I sprang a step forward; when two shadows were distinctly traced on the moonlit myrtle! Then two figures stood upon the balcony. A young cavalier jumped from the balustrade, and hurried down the path that led to the garden, where I well remember a gate opened on an unfrequented lane. Beatrice watched his departure: I could see her tearful eyes strain in the moonlight, to catch the last glimpse. 'He never looked back!' I heard her say, in the low whisper whose unutterable anguish haunts me yet. She remained for a few moments, pale, fixed like a statue, then, starting, she wrung her hands bitterly, and darted into her room. I heard the voice of smothered weeping; but its agony was too great for suppression.

"I believe that night the fiend stood by my side; I acted on an impulse over which I had no control. I took no thought of what I did; yet every action seemed the result of planned deliberation. My soul was given over to the evil one; I