And then an unspeakable rapture stole over me as I realized that my Lady was coming as she had come before.

I would have hurried out to meet her, but that I knew well that this would not be in accord with her wishes.

So, thinking to please her, I drew back into the room.

I was glad I had done so when, from the dark corner where I stood, I saw her steal up the marble steps and stand timidly looking in at the door.

Then, after a long pause, came a whisper as faint and sweet as the music of a distant AEolian harp: "Are you there?
May I come in?
Answer me! I am lonely and in fear!" For answer I emerged from my dim corner so swiftly that she was startled.
I could hear from the quivering intake of her breath that she was striving--happily with success--to suppress a shriek.
"Come in," I said quietly.