She was embroidering near a window on the
opposite side of the room; she could not see me, and the carts in
the streets made too much noise for me to be heard. She was always
well dressed, but this day her attire bordered on coquetry. Her
attitude was graceful, her head leaning gently forward, discovered a
small circle of her neck; her hair, elegantly dressed, was
ornamented with flowers; her figure was universally charming, and I
had an uninterrupted opportunity to admire it. I was absolutely in a
state of ecstasy, and, involuntarily, sinking on my knees, I
passionately extended my arms towards her, certain she could not hear,
and having no conception that she could see me; but there was a
chimney glass at the end of the room that betrayed all my proceedings.
I am ignorant what effect this transport produced on her; she did
not speak, she did not look on me; but, partly turning her head,
with the movement of her finger only, she pointed to the mat which was
at her feet- To start up, with an articulate cry of joy, and occupy
the place she had indicated, was the work of a moment; but it will
hardly be believed I dared attempt no more, not even to speak, raise
my eyes to hers, or rest an instant on her knees, though in an
attitude which seemed to render such a support necessary. I was
dumb, immovable, but far enough from a state of tranquillity;
agitation, joy, gratitude, ardent indefinite wishes, restrained by the
fear of giving displeasure, which my unpractised heart too much
dreaded, were sufficiently discernible.
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