Such I would fain hope is the happy lot of her who is favored with the spiritual counsel of one so virtuous and wise as yourself.

Here I place my fortune, let what may follow; and here would I gladly place a heavier stake, were it permitted." As the cavalier spoke, he tendered to the silent fair a bouquet of the sweetest and most fragrant flowers; and among them were those to which poets and custom have ascribed the emblematic qualities of constancy and love.

She, to whom this offering of gallantry was made, hesitated to accept it.

It much exceeded the reserve imposed on one of her station and years to allow of such homage from the other sex, though the occasion was generally deemed one that admitted of more than usual gallantry; and she evidently shrank, with the sensitiveness of one whose feelings were unpractised, from a homage so public.
"Receive the flowers, my love," mildly whispered her companion--"the cavalier who offers them simply intends to show the quality of his breeding." "That will be seen in the end," hastily returned Don Camillo--for it was he.

"Signora, adieu; we have met on this water when there was less restraint between us." He bowed, and, signing to his gondolier, was quickly lost in the crowd of boats.