Page:The Keepsake for 1838.djvu/225

 difficulties would the detection of this strange meeting occasion to Adelaide, to myself, and to us all. This apprehension instantly obtaining the predominancy of my mind, I expressed it to her; but she smiled, and said,

“Be tranquil, dear Huwald. These sleepers will not disturb us.”

I started when she addressed me by my real name. She observed my astonishment, and continued,

“Ferdinand, you need not attempt to disguise yourself to me. Believe me, I sincerely wish for your happiness: it is as dear to me as my own.”

I was enchanted by these words; and by the confidential tone in which she addressed me. I was therefore most careful not to be excited by my feelings to give utterance to her name; which it is said invariably awakens sleepwalkers.

How long we conversed I know not; for the minutes flew with an inconceivable swiftness. At last, she prepared to depart; but previously to our separation, she asked me whether I would grant her one request. Eagerly and passionately I promised to fulfil every wish of hers, that was within the range of possibility; and entreated her to name it. She then requested me to give her my ring, as a remembrance of that hour. The pledge she desired was an extremely old family jewel; and so valued by me, that even to her I parted with it reluctantly. But who could refuse the first request of his beloved? I took it quickly from my finger; and placed it myself on her fair white hand.

“When you next see this ring on my finger,” said she, with sudden, singular, and almost appalling solemnity, “think of your promise. Guess my wishes, and scrupulously fulfil them, even if I should not utter them.”

We were then standing before the recess which contained the altar.