I walked along in a kind
of ecstasy, giving up my heart and senses to the enjoyment of so
many delights, and sighing only from a regret of enjoying them
alone. Absorbed in this pleasing reverie, I lengthened my walk till it
grew very late, without perceiving I was tired; at length, however,
I discovered it, and threw myself on the step of a kind of niche, or
false door, in the terrace wall. How charming was the couch! the trees
formed a stately canopy, a nightingale sat directly over me, and
with his soft notes lulled me to rest: how pleasing my repose; my
awaking more so. It was broad day; on opening my eyes I saw the water,
the verdure, and the admirable landscape before me. I arose, shook off
the remains of drowsiness, and finding I was hungry, retook the way to
the city, resolving, with inexpressible gayety, to spend the two
pieces of six blancs I had yet remaining in a good breakfast. I
found myself so cheerful that I went all the way singing; I even
remember I sang a cantata of Batistin's called the Baths of Thomery,
which I knew by heart. May a blessing light on the good Batistin and
his good cantata, which procured me a better breakfast than I had
expected, and a still better dinner, which I did not expect at all! In
the midst of my singing, I heard some one behind me, and turning round
perceived an Antonine, who followed after and seemed to listen with
pleasure to my song. At length accosting me, he asked, if I understood
music. I answered, "A little," but in a manner to have it understood I
knew a great deal, and as he continued questioning of me, related a
part of my story.
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