Pagina 273 di 1118

Such a state of things formed a sad contrast to the radiant

visions which had occupied her imagination. Her confinement was

as strict at home as it had been in the monastery; and she, who

had fancied she should enjoy, at least for this brief period, the

pleasures of the world, found herself an exile from all society.

At every announcement of a visiter, she was compelled to retire

with the elderly persons of the family; and always dined apart

whenever a guest was present. Even the servants of the family

appeared to concur with the designs of their master, and to treat

her with carelessness, ill concealed by an awkward attempt at

formality. There was one among them, however, who seemed to feel

towards her respect and compassion. This was a handsome page, who

equalled, in her imagination, the ideal images of loveliness she

had so often fondly cherished.