Page:Life in the Old World - Vol. II.djvu/353

Rh turned into joke, and such being the case we left our leafy grotto, and went down to the shore, where he was now standing under a large umbrella in the heat of the sun, waiting for—her. They two walked on first, and I followed afterwards, at some distance with Mr. S., who came from his bath. We walked leisurely, because the path was ascending, and the heat was great, although the large trees cast thick shadow.

Again in my room, I saw little Elsa, creeping like a lizard along the wall, and in through the curtain with a look in which archness arid uneasiness were about equally mingled, which immediately told me what had occurred.

It was so. It had come! Hercules had during the walk, made his declaration and asked—whether he might be permitted to hope? He does not require now—after so short an acquaintance—a decided yes, only that she will allow him to accompany her to Sorrento, to dedicate to her his attention, his devotion, and in this manner, enable him also to become better acquainted with her. If she will allow this, he will give up his intended journey to Greece and the East, and remain here. He had spoken in a manly and cordial manner, and besought of her not to forbid his wish of accompanying us to Sorrento.

“Very good, Elsa! and what has been your answer?”

“What has been my answer?—If I only knew it myself!—half words and thoughts; I was so astonished—so taken by surprise! It was, however, my intention to say no—and that he perfectly understood. He thanked me for my candor with a certain cold