Now, during the second night of temptation, he resolved to visit the priests as soon as it was day and to bring one of them back with him to the villa, to remain as long as Veranilda should be there.

Firm in this purpose he rose with the rising sun, called for his horse, and rode to the bridge.

There, looking down at the white cataract, stood Veranilda and her attendant.
He alighted.

With a timid smile the maiden advanced to meet him.
'Abroad so early ?' were his first words, a mere tongue-found phrase.
'I was tempted by the fresh morning.

It does not displease you, lord Marcian ?' 'Nay, I am glad.' 'It is so long,' continued the gentle voice, 'since I was free to walk under the open sky.' Marcian forgot that his gaze was fixed upon her, forgot that he was silent, forgot the purpose with which he had ridden forth.
'I hoped I might see you to-day,' she added.