It came at last, the blessed, the longed-for evening.

A soft breeze sprung up, cooling the burning air after the heat of the day, and bringing with it the odors of a thousand flowers.

A regal glory of shifting colors blazed on the breast of heaven--the bay, motionless as a mirror, reflected all the splendid tints with a sheeny luster that redoubled their magnificence.

Pricked in every vein by the stinging of my own desires, I yet restrained myself; I waited till the sun sunk below the glassy waters--till the pomp and glow attending its departure had paled into those dim, ethereal hues which are like delicate draperies fallen from the flying forms of angels--till the yellow rim of the round full moon rose languidly on the edge of the horizon--and then keeping back my eagerness no longer, I took the well-known road ascending to the Villa Romani, My heart beat high--my limbs trembled with excitement--my steps were impatient and precipitate--never had the way seemed so long.

At last I reached the great gate-way--it was locked fast--its sculptured lions looked upon me frowningly.