Pagina 197 di 788

"Madam," said the Count, "deign to pardon my boldness; I come

both to crave forgiveness and to express my gratitude. To crave

forgiveness, since I have stealthily followed your steps; and to

express gratitude, since I have been the witness of your

meditations. Much have I injured you, and much do I owe to you! I

have interrupted a moment of meditation; to you I owe moments of

inspiration! blessed moments! Condemn the man; but the artist

awaits your forgiveness. Much have I dared, and more will I dare!

Judge!"

Here he knelt and offered her his landscape.

Telimena passed judgment on his sketch with the tone of a

courteous lady, but of one conversant with art; of praise she was

chary, but she did not spare encouragement.