I was startled in the midst of my devotions, however, by a deep sigh; I turned suddenly round, and just behind me was a female.

She had raised her veil also in prayer: and when our eyes met, methought a celestial ray shot from those dark and smiling orbs at once into my soul.

Never, my Clodius, have I seen mortal face more exquisitely molded: a certain melancholy softened and yet elevated its expression: that unutterable something, which springs from the soul, and which our sculptors have imparted to the aspect of Psyche, gave her beauty I know not what of divine and noble; tears were rolling down her eyes.

I guessed at once that she was also of Athenian lineage; and that in my prayer for Athens her heart had responded to mine.

I spoke to her, though with a faltering voice--"Art thou not, too, Athenian ?" said I, "O beautiful virgin!" At the sound of my voice she blushed, and half drew her veil across her face.--"My forefathers' ashes," said she, "repose by the waters of Ilissus: my birth is of Neapolis; but my heart, as my lineage, is Athenian."-- "Let us, then," said I, "make our offerings together": and, as the priest now appeared, we stood side by side, while we followed the priest in his ceremonial prayer; together we touched the knees of the goddess--together we laid our olive garlands on the altar.