What is the description/significance of the opening scene of Nathaniel Hawthorne's "Rappaccini's Daughter"?

Hawthorne begins the story with a brief description of the literary style and work of fictional Monsieur L'Aubepine, the author of "Rappaccini's Daughter". The opening scene of the actual story involves Giovanni Guasconti, a young man from southern Italy, comes to Padua to pursue a University education. His room, a high and gloomy chamber in an old mansion, is desolate but for a sole window, which overlooks a beautiful garden. This scene will juxtapose with the beauty of Beatrice.