And face to face we for an instant gaze,
Mine eyes wide open and red-rimm'd with grief,
He looks abashed, and stands irresolute,
Then, bowing lowly, starts like stricken deer,
And leaves me trembling and in tears.
Julia then relates the result of another interview, and how they
met often, when—
His courtship was so gentle and refined,
So tender, so respectful and restrained,
I could not choose but listen; and anon
He whispered in my ear sweet falsities,
Which we poor women, knowing but too well
What truth they lack, yet cannot, will not doubt.
Nightly he sought my latticed window bars,
Entreats, complains, and almost feigns offence,
While I, alas! gave willing ear to all.
Like to a spoiled child he coaxeth me,
And craves discourse within the bars, while I,
Still doubting, as a maiden should, his vows,
His truth, his honesty, at last consent.
Other interviews are arranged by Julia's attendant until,—
We greet each other daily though by stealth.
The dream of maddening love doth hourly wake.
Until I fear myself—a sad moment that
Wherein a trusting woman doth suspect herself.
