Volume I Part 45 (1/2)

On past the dark taxus-trees and the thick olive-groves; past the tall statue of Flora, whose white marble shone ghostly in the moonlight; past the large basin, where six marble dolphins spouted water high into the air; into the thick shrubbery of laurels and tamarinds, and, pressing through the oleanders, he stood before the stalact.i.te grotto, in which a marble nymph of the spring leaned upon a large dark urn. As he entered, a white figure glided from behind the statue.

”Valeria, my lovely rose!” cried Totila, ardently embracing her.

”Leave me, leave me, my beloved!” she said, withdrawing from his arms.

”No, sweet one! I will not leave you. How long, how painfully, I have missed you! Do you hear how sweetly and invitingly the nightingale calls? Inhale the warm air of the summer night and the intoxicating scent of the roses. All breathes joy and love! Oh, let us hold fast these golden hours! My soul cannot contain all its bliss! All thy beauty; all our youth; and this glowing, blooming summer night. Life rolls in mighty waves through my heart, and bursts it with delight!”

”Oh, Totila, I would gladly lose myself, like you, in the happiness of these hours! But I cannot. The intoxicating perfume, the luxurious warmth of these summer nights are but transient; they breed misfortune.

I cannot believe in the happiness of our love!”

”Thou dear fool, why not?”

”I know not. The unhappy doubt which troubles all my life spreads its curse even over our love. How gladly would I love and trust like you!

But a warning voice in my heart ever repeats: 'It will not last--thou shalt not be happy!'”

”Then, even in my arms, you are not happy?”

”Yes, and no! The feeling of concealment from my n.o.ble father oppresses me. See, Totila, what makes me love you most is not your youthful beauty and strength, nor even your great love for me. It is my pride in your character, in your frank, unclouded and n.o.ble character. I have accustomed myself to see you walk through this dark world bright and strong as the G.o.d of Light. The n.o.ble courage, sure of victory; the enthusiasm and truth of your being, are my pride. That when you approach, all that is mean, little, and unholy must vanish from before you, is my delight. I love you as a mortal loves the Sun-G.o.d who approaches him in the fulness of his glory, and therefore I can endure nothing secret about you. Not even the delight of these hours--it is enjoyed by stealth, and that must no longer be----”

”No, Valeria, and shall not! I feel exactly the same. I hate the lie of this disguise; I can bear it no longer! To-morrow I will throw it off and speak openly and freely to your father.”

”This decision is the best, for----”

”For it saves your life, young man!” suddenly cried a deep voice, and from the dark background of the grotto a man came forth, in the act of sheathing his sword.

”My father!” cried Valeria, startled, but with courageous composure.

Totila put one arm round her.

”Away, Valeria! leave the barbarian!” cried Valerius, stretching out his hand commandingly.

”No, Valerius,” cried Totila, pressing Valeria close to his breast; ”henceforward her place is on my bosom!”

”Audacious Goth!”

”Hear me, Valerius, and be not angry with us for this deceit. You yourself heard that it was to end tomorrow.”

”Fortunately for you, I did. Warned by an old friend, I could still scarcely believe that my daughter--would deceive me. When I was compelled to believe my eyes, I was resolved that your life should pay for her fault. Your words saved you. But now go; you will never again see her face.”

Totila would have retorted angrily, but Valeria was beforehand.

”Father,” she said quietly, stepping between the two men, ”listen to your child. I will not excuse my love, it needs no apology. It is as innocent and heavenly as are the stars. My love is the life of my life.

You know me; truth is the air I breathe. By my soul! I will never leave this man!”

”Nor I her!” cried Totila, and took her right-hand.

The young couple stood erect before the old man in the bright moonlight, their n.o.ble features filled with sacred enthusiasm. They looked so beautiful that a softened feeling took possession of the angry father.

”Valeria, my child!”