Page 204 (2/2)

described the passion, I have for the first ti of that love, and that I can never learn it of you! This is

a e, we hed He had no answer to ly repeated her words: "Yes, we must submit to it!"

"And why can we not?" she almost cheerfully asked, with that childlike

innocence which never once co

for Carlo--"why can we not joyfully submit? We both love, only in a

different manner Let each preserve and persevere in his own manner, and

then all may yet be well!"

"And it shall be well!" exclaimed Carlo, with animation "You cannot

love me as I love you, but I can devote my whole life to you, and

that will I do! At ho Naples, a beautiful custom is

prevalent When one loves, he is adopted as a vapo, a protector, who

follows the steps of the one he loves, atches before her door when

she sleeps, who secretly lurks at a distance behind her when she leaves

her house, who observes every passer-by in order to preserve her from

every murderous or other inimical attack, or in case of need to hasten

to her assistance Such a vapo protects her against the jealousy of

her husband or the vengeance of a dismissed lover Natalie, as I cannot

be your lover, I will be your vapo Will you accept my services?"